Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Rice recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice for a delicious one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this dish is customizable with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 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)
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, prepare the long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set the rice aside to keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and diced bell pepper if using, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the meat until it is browned throughout, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of water (or as directed by the seasoning packet). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine rice and meat mixture: Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Stir thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated and combined with the seasoning and beef.
- Add salsa and heat through: Stir in ½ cup of salsa and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the entire mixture is heated through and ready to serve.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the taco rice and top with optional ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup chopped cilantro to add extra flavor and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add extra salsa or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bell pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and color to the dish.
- Using low-sodium taco seasoning can help control the salt content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
