Name: Taco Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 teaspoons taco seasoning; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles (1 can, undrained); 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 15 ounces black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed); 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels; 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (about 6 ounces); diced tomatoes; pico de gallo; sour cream; jalapenos; cheese; avocadoes; guacamole

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 10 reviews

If you crave the bold, zesty flavors of tacos but want the ease of a one-pan dinner, look no further than Taco Rice. This hearty, cheesy skillet is packed with juicy ground meat, plenty of veggies, tender rice, and just the right blend of spices. Finished with melty cheese and all your favorite taco toppings, Taco Rice is a weeknight champion that’s both satisfying and customizable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Taco Rice calls for simple staples that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Each ingredient plays its own special role, creating layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish so irresistible.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the veggies for maximum flavor.
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, it forms the savory base of the skillet.
Red bell pepper: Brings color, a touch of sweetness, and compliments the spices beautifully.
Lean ground beef (or ground turkey): Protein-packed and hearty, it’s the classic taco filling—use turkey for a lighter twist!
Garlic: Essential for a bold, flavorful punch; mince it fresh for best results.
Taco seasoning: The key to that signature taco flavor, with just the right mix of spices.
Sea salt and black pepper: Balances and elevates all the savory notes in the skillet.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth as the rice cooks.
Diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained): Provides tang, mild heat, and keeps everything juicy—Rotel works great!
Long-grain white rice (uncooked): Soaks up all the delicious flavor, making every bite satisfying.
Black beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy, protein-rich, and add wonderful texture and color.
Frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and a little pop in every forkful.
Colby Jack cheese (shredded): Melts perfectly on top, turning this skillet into cheesy comfort food heaven.
Taco toppings (diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapenos, cheese, avocados, guacamole): Mix and match to make every plate unique and delicious.

How to Make Taco Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. This base sets the stage for your Taco Rice, infusing the skillet with incredible, fresh flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add your choice of lean ground beef or turkey directly to the softened veggies. As it cooks, break up the meat gently with a spoon, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step gives Taco Rice its hearty texture, and the meat soaks in every bit of goodness from the skillet.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Next, toss in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen smells like your favorite taco night—bold, savory, and a little bit spicy!

Step 4: Build the Skillet

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, uncooked white rice, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The rice will begin absorbing all the flavors and liquid, transforming the mixture into a savory, saucy creation.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to peek—keeping the lid on ensures perfectly tender rice and allows everything to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

With the skillet off the heat, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover it for just a few minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly blanket. This gooey, golden topping is what makes cheesy Taco Rice so unforgettable.

Step 7: Serve and Customize

Spoon the hot, cheesy Taco Rice into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings—think juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, creamy guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream. Every bite is a fiesta, tailored just for you and your family!

How to Serve Taco Rice

Garnishes

The ultimate finishing touch for Taco Rice is a generous heap of toppings—try fresh diced tomatoes, zingy pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce, creamy avocado, or a scoop of guacamole. Don’t forget a handful of extra cheese or a swirl of sour cream for that indulgent, creamy edge. Everyone can personalize their bowl to taste!

Side Dishes

While Taco Rice is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply, warm tortilla chips, or a refreshing corn and black bean salad. For a fun dinner spread, add tangy pickled red onions or a small bowl of chilled gazpacho on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl—try spooning Taco Rice into large lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld wrap, or fill up taco shells for a crispy twist. You can also serve it as a filling for burritos, stuff it into roasted bell peppers, or layer it with tortilla chips for a hearty Taco Rice nacho platter. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Taco Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle overnight, making the leftovers extra tasty for lunch or a quick second dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep Taco Rice for longer, simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best taste and texture, try to enjoy it within 1 to 2 months. The cheesy, saucy rice reheats well and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back some moisture, especially if the rice has thickened up in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until piping hot and the cheese is gooey again.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for Taco Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks up fluffy and soaks in all the delicious flavors without getting mushy. You can also use brown rice or even a quick-cooking variety—just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

Can I make Taco Rice vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for extra beans or a plant-based crumbled protein, use veggie broth, and opt for a dairy-free cheese. Taco Rice is all about the layers of flavor, so the dish remains just as satisfying and delicious.

What can I use instead of Colby Jack cheese?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend cheese will melt beautifully and taste just as great. Feel free to mix and match what you have on hand for your own cheesy signature.

How spicy is Taco Rice?

The spice level is mild to medium, thanks to the taco seasoning and canned green chiles. If you’d like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or serve with sliced jalapenos. For less spice, choose mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel.

Can Taco Rice be made ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool, and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. It reheats quickly and makes a perfect grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner, making Taco Rice a staple for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely comforting about gathering around the table for a big skillet of Taco Rice—especially when everyone can make their plate just the way they like it. I hope this easy, flavor-packed recipe becomes a new favorite in your home, too. Give it a try and get ready for happy smiles (and second helpings) all around!