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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Pour water or broth into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Uncover and delicately separate rice grains using a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- 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