Description
This flavorful Taco Rice recipe combines perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with a savory ground beef taco mixture, seasoned with classic taco spices and finished with salsa and optional toppings like cheddar cheese and cilantro. It’s a quick and satisfying one-pan meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water (or as directed by seasoning packet)
Final Additions
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and optional bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the beef is browned thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1 cup of water or the amount specified on your seasoning packet. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine Rice and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir well to evenly incorporate the rice throughout the taco filling.
- Stir in Salsa: Pour in the salsa and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through and flavors to blend perfectly.
- Serve: Plate the taco rice and top with optional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Bell pepper adds a nice texture and flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on your taco seasoning packet instructions.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.
- If desired, serve with sour cream, avocado slices, or hot sauce as additional toppings.
