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This tasty taco rice with smooth queso brings together seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce all in one pan. Made from common ingredients, it comes together fast, making it a great easy dinner for busy nights or relaxed weekends with family.
I whipped this up on a crazy weeknight and was blown away by how fast it was done. Now everyone asks for it regularly because of the cozy taste and fun mix of flavors and textures.
Needed Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: gives a rich, meaty base that’s not too greasy
- White long-grain rice: stays fluffy, rinsing it helps stop clumps
- Taco spice mix: brings bold, lively flavor to the dish
- Olive oil: used to gently cook the veggies and beef
- Chopped onion: adds a sweet, tasty foundation
- Drained canned corn and black beans: add texture and natural sweetness
- Salt and pepper: to bring all the flavors together
- Queso dip: the creamy cheese sauce, store-bought or homemade works
- Shredded cheddar: melts into the queso making it extra rich
- Milk: smooths out the sauce for a great pour
- Optional toppings: things like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream brighten the final dish
Step-By-Step How To Cook
- Rice First:
- Prepare the rice with water or beef broth following the package directions until tender and fluffy. Keep it warm after cooking.
- Flavors Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook slowly until soft and see-through, which brings out the sweetness.
- Cook The Beef:
- Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until there’s no pink left. Drain any extra fat if it seems greasy to keep it balanced.
- Veggies And Spice:
- Mix in the taco seasoning with the corn and black beans. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until everything smells great and veggies are warmed.
- Mix Rice & Meat:
- Put the cooked rice into the beef mix and stir well. Add salt and pepper to your taste so each bite is packed with flavor.
- Make Queso Sauce:
- On low heat in a small pot, combine queso dip, shredded cheddar, and milk. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Cover Taco Rice With Queso:
- Pour the warm queso sauce over the skillet ingredients and gently stir so everything gets coated. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Plate & Dress Up:
- Take it off the heat and serve right away with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or chopped tomatoes.
I like cooking the rice in beef broth because it gives the whole dish a rich flavor that ties it all together. This dish makes me think of comfy family dinners where everyone digs in happily.
How To Store It Right
Keep leftovers sealed tight in the fridge for up to three days to keep them fresh. Warm gently on the stove or microwave and add a splash of milk if the queso firmed up too much. You can freeze it but the queso might change texture a bit, so fresh is best.
Swaps For Ingredients
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you want something lighter but still tasty. Use brown rice or quinoa in place of long-grain rice for added fiber and a nutty taste. Swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese in the queso for a creamy dip with a mild or spicy edge.
What Goes Well With It
Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips are fun for scooping up the cheesy taco rice. A cold beer or tart margarita makes it feel like a Tex-Mex celebration.
Seasonal Twists
Dig into this creamy, filling meal that comes together quick and hits the spot every time.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Are there good protein swaps for ground beef?
Yep, ground turkey or chicken are lighter choices that still keep the great taste.
- → Which rice is best to use here?
Long-grain white rice is the way to go since it’s fluffy and soaks up all the flavors well.
- → How do I make this dish spicier?
Add jalapeño slices on top or stir in more taco seasoning to turn up the heat.
- → Should I cook the rice in water or broth?
Beef broth gives the rice extra richness and goes really well with the seasoned beef.
- → Can I make the queso sauce at home?
For sure, you can whip up a homemade queso with melted cheese, milk, and mild spices for fresh taste and control.
- → What’s the best way to save and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave before eating.