Name: The Best Taco Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups beef broth (or water); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning; 1 cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel); ½ cup corn (optional); ½ cup black beans (optional); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Chopped cilantro & lime wedges for garnish

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The Best Taco Rice is one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals—combining the heartiness of seasoned ground meat with fluffy rice and all the classic taco flavors. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

The Best Taco Rice

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups beef broth (or water)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning

1 cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel)

½ cup corn (optional)

½ cup black beans (optional)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Chopped cilantro & lime wedges for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the rice in a pot using beef broth or water until tender. This gives the rice extra flavor right from the start.

While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. I make sure to drain any excess grease so the dish doesn’t get oily.

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans if using. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.

Add the cooked rice to the beef mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a few minutes.

Serve the taco rice hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. From start to finish, I usually have it ready in around 30 minutes, making it a great option for quick weeknight dinners.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten it up. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding extra beans or even sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. For a little heat, I like to add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If I want a creamier texture, a dollop of sour cream on top is perfect.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and heat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The cheese won’t be quite as melty the second time, but it still tastes great.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but it will take longer to cook. I recommend cooking it separately ahead of time before mixing with the beef.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just make sure the taco seasoning and broth you use are gluten-free, and this dish will be safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I freeze leftover taco rice?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the rice might change slightly upon thawing. I prefer to eat leftovers fresh or refrigerated.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make a simple homemade version with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! I like avocado slices, sour cream, sliced olives, or even a dollop of guacamole to customize the dish.

Conclusion

Taco rice is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing meal, it never disappoints. I hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy taco flavors in a new and satisfying way!

Recipe:

The Best Taco Rice

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A quick and flavorful meal combining seasoned ground meat with fluffy rice and classic taco toppings, perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Cook the rice in a pot using beef broth or water until tender.
While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans if using. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked rice to the beef mixture and stir well to combine evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.