When it comes to comfort food, this Taco Rice with Queso is the ultimate winner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-cheesy, making it a dish the whole family will love. Imagine fluffy rice infused with bold taco seasoning, juicy ground beef, and the richness of melted queso—every bite is a fiesta of flavors!
Whether you need a quick dinner idea, a dish to impress guests, or just a cozy meal for a rainy night, this recipe is here to deliver. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Bold Flavors: Taco seasoning and salsa make every bite irresistible.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with creamy queso for an indulgent finish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. Ground Beef: The heartiness in the dish, full of savory flavor.
- 1 oz. pkg Taco Seasoning: Your go-to for authentic taco flavor.
- 1 cup Salsa: Adds zest and a touch of heat.
- 1 ½ cups White Rice: Long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture.
- 3 ½ cups Water or Chicken Broth: Broth adds extra richness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- 1 cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip: The star of the show—creamy, cheesy perfection.
- Green Onions (optional): For a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Microwave-safe bowl (for warming queso)
- Serving dish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess oil to keep the dish light.
2. Add the Seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the beef evenly.
3. Incorporate Salsa and Rice
Add the salsa and rice to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Add Liquid and Cook
Pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring once more. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
5. Prepare the Queso
While the rice is cooking, warm the Gordo’s Cheese Dip in a microwave-safe bowl for 60 seconds. Stir to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the rice is done, transfer it to a serving dish (or serve straight from the pan—why not keep it simple?). Drizzle the warmed queso generously over the top.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, if desired, and dig in!
Toppings and Customizations
Make this dish your own by adding any of these delicious toppings:
- Chopped Tomatoes: For a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Sour Cream: A cool, tangy addition.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For extra heat.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: A crunchy topping that adds texture.
What to Serve with Taco Rice
This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can round out the meal with:
- Side Salad: A crisp lettuce and tomato salad with a lime vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
- Refried Beans: A classic, creamy side dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread complements the taco flavors beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let the rice fully absorb the liquid for the best texture.
- Cheese Dip Options: Use any variety of Gordo’s Cheese Dip, or substitute with your favorite queso.
- Boost the Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or onions to the skillet when browning the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Freezer: Freeze the taco rice without queso for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner option without compromising flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist. Avoid instant rice, as it may turn mushy.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the salsa and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level by using mild salsa or adding extra heat with hot sauce.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
This Taco Rice with Queso is everything you want in comfort food: quick, easy, and loaded with bold flavors and creamy cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!
Looking for more Mexican-inspired comfort food? Try these next:
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake
- Loaded Nachos Supreme
- One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest or Instagram, and let me know how you customized your dish. Enjoy every cheesy, taco-filled bite! 🌮🧀
Variations to Try
This Taco Rice with Queso is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can easily tweak it to suit your cravings or pantry ingredients. Here are some fun variations:
1. Vegetarian Taco Rice
- Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
- Add more vegetables, like diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers, for added nutrition.
2. Spicy Kick Taco Rice
- Use spicy salsa and add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Top with sliced fresh jalapeños for a fiery garnish.
3. Cheesy Fiesta Bake
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a casserole dish, layer shredded cheese on top, and bake for 10 minutes at 375°F until bubbly.
- Add crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
4. Southwest Taco Rice Bowl
- Serve the rice as a base and let everyone build their own bowls with toppings like avocado slices, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Turn It Into Meal Prep
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully. Here’s how to prepare it for the week:
- Divide Into Portions: After cooking, divide the taco rice into individual containers.
- Store Toppings Separately: Keep the queso and any fresh garnishes (like green onions) in small containers to add just before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to keep the rice moist and fluffy.
Pair It with Drinks
Looking for the perfect beverage to complement this dish? Try these options:
- Classic Margarita: A refreshing lime margarita is a no-brainer for a Tex-Mex-inspired dinner.
- Mexican Soda: Jarritos in flavors like tamarind, mango, or guava add a sweet, fizzy touch.
- Horchata: The creamy, cinnamon-infused drink pairs wonderfully with the bold taco flavors.
- Cold Beer: A light lager or Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo balances the rich queso perfectly.
Kid-Friendly Taco Rice Ideas
If you’ve got little ones at home, this Taco Rice with Queso can easily be tailored to please even the pickiest eaters! Here’s how to make it extra kid-friendly:
1. Mild and Cheesy
- Use mild taco seasoning and salsa to keep the spice level low.
- Add extra queso on top—kids love gooey, cheesy bites!
2. Fun Toppings Bar
- Let kids build their own plates with toppings like shredded cheese, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or crunchy tortilla strips.
3. Make it Mini
- Serve the taco rice in small tortillas or taco shells for a fun, handheld dinner option.
- Use it as a filling for quesadillas or burritos, making it easy for tiny hands to enjoy.
4. Sneak in Veggies
- Finely dice vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers and cook them with the ground beef for a hidden nutritional boost.
Perfect for Entertaining
This Taco Rice with Queso isn’t just for weeknight dinners—it’s also a fantastic dish for parties and gatherings!
1. Serve as a Taco Rice Bar
- Set up a buffet with the taco rice as the base, and offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their plates.
2. Appetizer Twist
- Spoon the taco rice into small cups and top with queso for a creative appetizer. Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers!
3. Double the Recipe
- Feeding a crowd? This recipe is easy to scale up. Just double the ingredients and cook in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
Healthier Swaps
Looking to make this dish lighter without losing flavor? Here are some healthy substitutions:
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Both are leaner options than beef but still pack plenty of flavor.
- Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a fiber boost or low-carb option, substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Low-Fat Queso: Choose a light version of Gordo’s Cheese Dip to reduce calories and fat.
- Add More Veggies: Load up on sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini for extra nutrients.
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