Short Description
Taco Rice with Queso is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. This Tex-Mex-inspired meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
- A crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.
- Fully customizable with toppings like salsa, jalapeรฑos, and avocado.
- A perfect combination of protein, carbs, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Queso sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeรฑos (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and a little water according to package instructions. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the queso sauce if making from scratch.
- In serving bowls, layer cooked rice and seasoned beef.
- Drizzle warm queso sauce over the beef and rice.
- Top with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, and any optional toppings you prefer.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Option:ย Swap ground beef for shredded or grilled chicken seasoned with taco spices.
- Vegetarian:ย Use black beans or lentils instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Kick:ย Add chopped jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb:ย Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Different Cheese:ย Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese in place of queso.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the queso sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
FAQs
How can I make homemade queso sauce?
Melt shredded cheese with milk or heavy cream, and add diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.
Can I use store-bought queso?
Yes, store-bought queso works great and saves time.
What type of rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, or even Spanish rice all work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead and assemble when ready to serve.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on the taco seasoning and toppings you use. You can adjust the spice level as needed.
Can I freeze taco rice?
Yes, but freeze the rice and beef separately from the queso sauce for best results.
What are the best toppings for taco rice?
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, salsa, jalapeรฑos, and sour cream are all great options.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free queso alternative and skip the sour cream.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Use freshly cooked rice or slightly undercooked rice to maintain texture.
What can I serve with taco rice?
Tortilla chips, a side salad, or a refreshing fruit salsa pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
Taco Rice with Queso is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a meal prep staple, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal any time!
Print
Taco Rice with Queso
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco Rice with Queso is a delightful one-pan dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and creamy queso sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
- In a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
- Add Seasonings and Rice:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice with the seasonings and beef mixture.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce (or salsa). Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the Rice:
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid opening the lid or stirring during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure the rice cooks properly.
- Prepare the Queso Sauce:
- While the rice is cooking, heat the queso dip in a microwave-safe bowl until warm and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. If the queso is too thick, you can thin it with a little milk or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Drizzle the warm queso sauce over the top of the taco rice mixture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations:ย Feel free to customize this dish by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers during the cooking process.
- Cheese Options:ย If you prefer, you can make a homemade queso sauce using Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese melted with a few tablespoons of half-and-half.
- Leftovers:ย Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
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