The Unbeatable Homemade Taco Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting an incredible taco rice dish brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across every single bite of this delightful meal.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and zesty toppings create a seriously satisfying experience.

Cheese melts perfectly between warm grains and spiced meat, promising a comfort food adventure.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe shine with authentic southwestern flair.

Crisp lettuce, tangy salsa, and creamy sour cream complete the ensemble.

Each forkful promises a taste journey you won’t want to miss.

Ideas to Mix Up Taco Rice Creations

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled plant-based meat for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Kick Version: Mix in diced jalapeños or use a hot salsa to increase the heat level and add more flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and use gluten-free rice to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What to Pair with This Tasty Taco Bowl

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the bold, spicy flavors of taco rice, cutting through the richness of ground beef and cheese.
• Enhance with Fresh Guacamole: Create a creamy, zesty side dish that adds smooth texture and bright avocado notes, balancing the warmth of the seasoned rice and providing a cool contrast.
• Serve with Tangy Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the taco rice with a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream to soften the spice and add a creamy layer that elevates the overall taste experience.

Best Way to Store Taco Rice for Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining best flavor and texture.

Transfer cooled taco rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water or extra salsa to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until thoroughly hot.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for Taco Rice?

You’ll need ground beef, taco seasoning, water, Minute Rice, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute that works perfectly in this recipe and offers a leaner protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild or medium versions of these ingredients.

• How long does it take to make Taco Rice?

The entire recipe takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights.

Why Taco Rice Is a Must-Try Weeknight Win

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal cooking skills needed, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing this entire dish in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess dramatically.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this taco rice creates a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños to suit individual taste preferences and make each serving unique.

What Goes Into This Flavorful Taco Rice Dish

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the dish.

• Taco Seasoning, Water: A blend of spices that adds zesty Mexican-inspired flavor and helps cook the rice.

• Minute Rice: A quick-cooking rice that absorbs the flavors and provides a perfect base for the taco mixture.

• Salsa, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Salsa adds a fresh, tangy kick, while cheese brings creamy richness and extra depth to the dish.

How to Make Taco Rice Quick and Easy

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small, crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and no pink remains. Carefully drain off any extra fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned beef. Pour in water and mix thoroughly.

Stir until the seasonings are completely combined with the meat. Let the mixture come to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Add Fluffy Rice

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Scatter Minute Rice across the beef mixture.

Stir to ensure all rice is coated with the seasoned liquid. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 4: Steam and Soften

Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender.

Check that the rice has reached a soft, fully cooked texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

• Chunky salsa
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until the cheese melts and blends with the rice and meat.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Turn off the heat. Scoop the taco rice directly from the skillet onto serving plates.

Enjoy while hot and super delicious!

Notes That Bring Out the Taco Rice Flavor

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of this dish.
• Swap regular ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Experiment with different types of salsa like roasted tomato or verde to add unique flavor profiles to the taco rice.
• Use instant brown rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier taste compared to white rice.
• Top the dish with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra freshness and texture.

The Best Taco Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mexican-inspired taco rice, a delightful fusion of zesty flavors and comforting ingredients. Hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and bold spices create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains:

• 2 cups (480 ml) minute rice, uncooked

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet by carefully draining.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and pour water, mixing completely until ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Increase heat and allow mixture to reach a rapid boil, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat to low and immediately introduce uncooked Minute Rice into the skillet, gently folding to distribute evenly.
6. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
7. Uncover and fold in fresh salsa, stirring to integrate flavors thoroughly.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, allowing residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
9. Remove skillet from heat and serve hot, garnishing with optional toppings like chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning based on your heat preference.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, which reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Create a vegetarian option by replacing meat with black beans or plant-based ground protein, ensuring the dish remains hearty and satisfying.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or corn during the meat cooking stage, boosting vegetable intake without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg