Description
Savor spicy cheesy taco rice, a Mexican-inspired comfort dish blending zesty flavors with hearty rice and melted cheese. Quick and satisfying, this meal promises a delicious journey through bold southwestern ingredients you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice (long-grain white)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Toppings and Additional Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.25 cup chopped green onions
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package instructions, ensuring grains are fluffy and separated, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and meat is fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat from beef, then sprinkle taco seasoning directly into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat meat with robust spices and distribute evenly.
- Incorporate cooked rice into the seasoned beef mixture, gently folding to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and beef, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy consistency.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring gently to integrate the additional seasonings throughout the dish.
- Transfer the cheesy taco rice to a serving platter and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, providing a bright, juicy contrast to the rich, savory base.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro over the top for a burst of fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.
- Dollop sour cream in the center or around the edges, offering a cool, tangy complement to the warm, spiced rice.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the dish is piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using a mild or hot variety to suit different taste preferences.
- Opt for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
- Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently to preserve the cheese’s creamy texture and prevent it from becoming grainy or separated.
- Enhance the protein content by adding black beans, diced chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a more substantial and versatile meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg