Taco Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that combines seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice and your favorite taco toppings. This Tex-Mex dish is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a fun taco night twist. It’s versatile, customizable, and can be topped with anything from fresh veggies to melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel, optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or diced avocado
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and toast it for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth or water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated in the seasoning.
- If you’re using diced tomatoes and green chilies, stir them into the ground beef mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Rice
- In a large serving dish or individual bowls, spread a layer of the cooked rice.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the rice.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the beef and rice, allowing it to melt.
- Add your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the taco rice hot with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Cook Notes
- Rice Options: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice as a lower-carb alternative.
- Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoonchili powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, and 1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper.
- Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can use pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
Variations
- Taco Rice Bowls: Add beans (black beans or pinto beans) and corn to the rice for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Taco Rice: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or beans for a vegetarian version.
- Taco Rice Salad: Serve the taco rice over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad-inspired meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Taco rice is perfect for meal prep. Store the cooked rice and beef separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat and assemble with fresh toppings when ready to serve.
Can I freeze taco rice?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked rice and seasoned beef (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with taco rice?
Taco rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with chips and salsa, guacamole, or a side of refried beans for a more filling spread.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative to ground beef in this recipe. You can also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Taco Rice is a versatile, flavorful, and easy meal that brings together the delicious elements of tacos in a hearty bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping it for the week, taco rice is a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a fun Tex-Mex twist on traditional tacos!
