Irresistible Taco Rice with Queso Recipe: Fiesta in a Bowl!

Crafting mouthwatering taco rice with queso has become my weekend culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Families everywhere crave simple meals with maximum deliciousness.

Mexican-inspired comfort food speaks directly to our hunger for something exciting and hearty.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of melted queso blanketing perfectly seasoned rice and spiced meat.

Rich, creamy textures mingle with zesty taco seasonings to create a truly irresistible dish.

Let’s uncover how this recipe can become your new favorite go-to meal that everyone will request again and again.

Benefits of Making Taco Rice with Queso

• This taco rice with queso comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner fast.
• The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap broth for water, add extra proteins, or mix in different toppings to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors, this dish appeals to both children and adults, transforming a simple rice base into an exciting meal everyone will love.
• Even beginner cooks can master this straightforward recipe, with simple steps like boiling water, adding rice, and simmering- no complex techniques needed.

Ingredients Used in Taco Rice with Queso

• Rice: Short-grain or long-grain white rice works best for a fluffy texture, jasmine or basmati are good alternatives.
• Water or Broth: Adds moisture and helps cook the rice, chicken or vegetable broth can enhance flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and prevents rice from sticking, unsalted butter allows better control of saltiness.

• Queso: Creamy cheese sauce that adds a tangy and rich element, store-bought or homemade works well, Mexican-style queso blanco is traditional.

Cooking Directions for Taco Rice with Queso

Step 1: Boil Liquid Base

In a medium pot, bring water or broth to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Fluffy Rice

• Add rice
• Add butter

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes until it becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 3: Fluff and Prepare Rice

Using a fork, gently separate and fluff the rice grains, creating a light and airy texture. Set the rice aside, ready for the next stage of deliciousness.

Step 4: Brown Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles.

Step 5: Season Meat

• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle seasonings over the beef, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor.

Step 6: Create Taco Mixture

Drain any excess fat from the beef, then mix in salsa and diced green chiles for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 7: Combine Rice and Taco Meat

Gently fold the seasoned beef mixture into the fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 8: Melt Queso Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot rice and meat mixture, allowing it to melt into a creamy, gooey blanket.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions

Top the taco rice with fresh garnishes for added color and flavor complexity.

Helpful Tips When Making Taco Rice with Queso

• Boost Flavor Depth: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to add rich, savory undertones to your rice base.
• Prevent Sticky Rice: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spice by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, catering to different taste preferences.
• Quick Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle queso while rice is still hot to create a creamy, smooth texture that coats every grain perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat Taco Rice with Queso

• Store leftover taco rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm rice in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally for even heating.
• Transfer cooled taco rice to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Best Pairings for Taco Rice with Queso

• Pair this taco rice with a zesty fresh salsa that adds bright, tangy notes and cuts through the richness of the queso. Tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and lime create a perfect flavor contrast.
• Complement the warm, cheesy rice with a classic margarita. The citrusy, slightly salty cocktail balances the hearty dish and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich queso.
• Serve a light, crunchy coleslaw alongside the taco rice. The creamy, tangy slaw with a hint of vinegar will add texture and provide a cool, fresh element to the meal.
• Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, squeezed with fresh lime. The crisp, citrusy beer cuts through the cheese and enhances the taco-inspired flavors of the rice.

Optional Add-Ins for Taco Rice with Queso

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the taco flavor profile intact.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace ground meat with black beans or plant-based crumbles to maintain protein content while creating a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper to increase heat level and create a more intense flavor experience.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top with grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie meat for added protein and a complete meal option.

Common Questions About Taco Rice with Queso

• What is Taco Rice with Queso?

A delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of Mexican-style tacos with rice, topped with creamy queso cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or using spicy salsa when preparing the taco meat.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with black beans, plant-based ground meat, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions to create a vegetarian version.

Taco Rice With Queso Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Rice with Queso blends zesty flavors in one comforting dish. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Sour cream

Additional Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ½ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
• ½ cup black beans (optional)
• ½ cup corn (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Pour water or broth into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Introduce rice and butter to the boiling liquid, then immediately reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the rice to gently steam for approximately 15-18 minutes until each grain becomes perfectly tender.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing residual steam to complete the cooking process.
4. Uncover and delicately separate rice grains using a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture.
5. Transition the rice to a serving dish, preparing it as a foundational layer for the upcoming taco rice creation.

Notes

• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture and fluffy consistency in this dish.
• Swap water with chicken or vegetable broth to add extra depth of flavor to the rice base.
• For a healthier version, substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of salt while cooking rice to enhance its natural taste and prevent blandness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg