Taco Rice: A Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal for Beginners
Taco Rice is a one-pot wonder loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and zesty spices. This beginner-friendly dish brings all the flavors of taco night in a quick and easy meal! 🍚🌮🔥
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 ounces)
- 1 ½ cups white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, onion, scallions, olives, avocado, tomato
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium-high heat until it is browned and fully cooked. If using ground chicken, it may take slightly longer to cook than beef. Stir frequently to break up the meat into small crumbles. - Drain Excess Grease
Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. If using lean meat, this step may not be necessary. - Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes, including the liquid, to add flavor and moisture. Stir well to distribute the seasoning throughout the mixture. - Incorporate the Rice and Water
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and pour in three cups of water. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the seasoned meat and tomatoes. - Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors from the seasoned broth. - Simmer and Cook the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice cook for about 16 to 18 minutes. During this time, avoid lifting the lid too often, as the trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice properly. - Check for Doneness
After 16 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If the rice is still too firm, cover the pot again and let it cook for a few more minutes. - Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the taco rice. Cover the skillet for another minute or two, allowing the cheese to melt from the residual heat. - Serve and Garnish
Spoon the taco rice onto plates and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- How to Tell if the Rice is Cooked Properly
The rice should be soft but not mushy. If it is still crunchy, add a splash of water, cover, and cook for a few more minutes. - What to Do if the Mixture is Too Dry
If the rice absorbs too much liquid and starts to stick to the pan, add a little extra water and stir gently. - Preventing Overcooked Rice
Keep the heat on low while the rice cooks. High heat can cause the bottom layer to burn before the top is fully cooked. - Efficient Meal Prep
To make cooking easier, chop any optional toppings while the rice is simmering. This saves time and ensures everything is ready when the dish is finished. - Alternative Cooking Method
If you have a rice cooker, you can cook the seasoned meat in a pan first, then transfer it to the rice cooker along with the rice, tomatoes, and water. Let the rice cooker handle the rest.