Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 packet (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1 cup long grain white rice; 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes; 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup red enchilada sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Sour cream, for garnish; Sliced green onion, for garnish; Chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sliced jalapenos, for garnish; Tortilla chips, for serving

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It brilliantly combines the spicy zest of taco seasoning with creamy melted cheddar cheese, tender rice, and wholesome ingredients like black beans and Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers a vibrant, comforting flavor profile that satisfies every craving, all in one easy skillet meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round pot with light green handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a soup base divided into four main layers. On the left, there is a pile of shiny dark brown beans, next to it toward the top center are bright red tomato pieces with soft textures. Below the tomatoes, near the bottom center, is a small mound of uncooked white rice grains. On the right side, a mix of cooked ground meat in a brownish liquid occupies the space, topped with a small heap of light brown powdered seasoning. The soup liquid has an oily shine and a warm orange-brown color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun here. Each one plays a key role, from the seasoning-packed ground beef to the creamy cheese that brings everything together. Below is a simple list of essentials that make this dish sing with flavor and texture.

Ground beef (80/20): Offers rich flavor and the perfect fat content for juicy, tender bites.
Taco seasoning (3 tablespoons): Brings the iconic southwestern spicy kick to the dish.
Long grain white rice (1 cup): Provides a fluffy, absorbent base to soak up all those delicious juices.
Rotel tomatoes (10-ounce can): Adds a bright, slightly tangy tomato flavor with a bit of heat.
Black beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Boosts texture, nutrition, and that classic southwestern vibe.
Red enchilada sauce (1 cup): Deepens the dish’s complexity with smoky, slightly spicy warmth.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Hydrates the rice and infuses savory depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, shredded): Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping that ties it all together.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Toppings (optional): Sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos add fresh, vibrant notes.
Tortilla chips (for serving): Perfect for crunch and scooping every cheesy, spicy bite.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, cooking until nicely browned. This step is crucial because browning develops that deep, savory flavor that forms the base of your dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Pan

Once your beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning, rice, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, red enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and sprinkle in a couple of big pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so all those flavors marry beautifully right from the start.

Step 3: Bring to a Gentle Simmer

Turn the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, making sure to scrape off any rice that sticks to the pan’s bottom so nothing burns and all gets cooked evenly.

Step 4: Cook Until Rice is Tender

Cover your pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquids. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked rice mixture, then cover again to let it melt. Alternatively, you can pop the pan into the oven under the broiler for a minute or two to get a slightly golden, bubbly cheese topping. This cheesy layer is what makes this dish truly indulgent.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

A large white pot with green handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a cooked rice dish mixed evenly with small black beans, browned ground meat, and diced red bell peppers. The rice is golden-brown and moist, with a soft texture, and the beans and meat are scattered throughout, giving the dish a hearty look. The edges of the pot show some sauce stains, hinting at the rich flavors inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beautiful thing about this dish is how the garnishes can elevate every bite. A dollop of cool sour cream, vibrant chopped cilantro, fresh sliced green onions, and a few sliced jalapenos bring brightness and balance, cutting through the richness of the cheese and beef.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, tortilla chips are a must for crunch and texture contrast. You could also serve with a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to add a fresh counterpoint to the warm, hearty main.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling a little fancy? Scoop this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe into individual ramekins for a cute, personal presentation or layer it into a casserole dish and let guests serve themselves at the table. Adding a wedge of lime on the side offers a fun, zesty squeeze right before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture, then reheat gently to enjoy all over again.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, transfer the cooled Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally as it warms to keep that cheesy goodness evenly distributed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese melts nicely and provides a great tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different cheesy profiles.

Is it spicy?

The dish has a moderate level of heat from the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, but you can easily adjust the spice by selecting milder or spicier versions of these ingredients or controlling the jalapenos in the toppings.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as long as you check that the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce do not contain hidden gluten additives.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, brown rice instead of white, and reduce the cheese slightly, or opt for a lower-fat variety. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn can also boost nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something magical about this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe that makes it such a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this dish is guaranteed to be devoured with smiles all around. Give it a try and prepare for lots of compliments and requests for seconds!