Description
This Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Infused with taco spices and a mix of vegetables, it’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season Meat and Veggies: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well coated with spices.
- Add Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well until it is evenly mixed with the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy taco ground beef and rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions if using.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding garlic.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, use brown rice, but increase cooking time to about 40 minutes and add more broth as needed.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring the taco seasoning has no gluten-containing ingredients.
