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
Units
Scale
- 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: Feel free to customize this dish by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers during the cooking process.
- Cheese Options: 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: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.