Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings the flavors of a taco fiesta right to your dinner table. With comforting rice, savory ground beef, and a melty layer of cheese, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings. I first discovered this dish during a potluck and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared! The delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Reasons to try it
Why should you make Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice? For starters, it’s a one-pan meal that combines protein, grains, and vegetables, which means minimal cleanup! It’s budget-friendly, utilizing common pantry staples, making it a go-to for evenings when you don’t want to break the bank. Perfect for taco enthusiasts, it’s a welcomed variation that satisfies every craving from kids to adults. Moreover, this dish can be tweaked and personalized with various toppings and spices, making it versatile and exciting.
“I made this for dinner last night, and my kids couldn’t get enough! It’s officially added to our weeknight rotation!”
The cooking process explained
Making Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice is straightforward and enjoyable. It begins with browning the seasoned ground beef and onion in a skillet, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. After that, you mix in the rice, beans, and veggies, let it simmer, and finish with a generous helping of cheese. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, perfect for when time is of the essence but you want something delicious and homemade. Get ready for a comforting meal that’s both filling and flavorful!
Gather these items
To recreate this savory dish, here’s what you’ll need on hand:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 10 oz can Rotel (with juices)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 10 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 10 oz can corn (drained)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Pico de gallo (for topping)
- Taco sauce (for topping)
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry—ground turkey or chicken could work well instead of beef, or you can use quinoa instead of rice for a different grain option.
