This hearty and flavorful Taco Rice with Queso is a family favorite! It’s a simple one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and creamy queso makes for an irresistible dish that’s sure to please everyone.
why make this recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking the rice directly in the skillet with the other ingredients makes cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes.
- Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual weeknight meal.
how to make Taco Rice with Queso
Ingredients :
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 oz. pkg Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 and 1/2 cups White Rice, long grain
- 3 and 1/2 cups Water or Chicken Broth
- Salt and pepper as desired
- 1 cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip, any variety
- Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Directions :
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef on medium high heat until thoroughly cooked. Drain excess oil.
- Add Taco Seasoning and stir.
- Add salsa and rice and stir to incorporate.
- Pour water or broth into the pan, stir and bring to a boil.
- Once the water boils, turn the heat to simmer, cover and cook 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Place in a serving dish or serve directly in the pan.
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat Gordo’s Cheese Dip for 60 seconds.
- Stir and spoon over the Taco Rice.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve.
how to serve Taco Rice with Queso
Serve Taco Rice with Queso hot and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own, but you can also add your favorite toppings such as:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped lettuce
- Jalapenos
- Hot sauce
tips to make Taco Rice with Queso
- Use brown rice for a more nutritious option.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for extra flavor and spice.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Top with a dollop of salsa or a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Add a side of black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use your favorite brand of taco seasoning.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
- Garnish with avocado slices for a creamy and healthy touch.
variation
- Vegetarian Taco Rice: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils.
- Spicy Taco Rice: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet.
- Mexican Taco Rice: Top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Tex-Mex Taco Rice: Add a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the pan before adding the rice mixture.
- Cheesy Taco Rice Bake: Top with extra cheese and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
- Taco Rice Skillet with Corn: Add a can of corn to the skillet along with the other ingredients.
- Taco Rice with Black Beans: Add a can of black beans to the skillet for extra protein and fiber.
- Taco Rice with Sour Cream: Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.
- Taco Rice with Guacamole: Top with a generous amount of guacamole.
- Taco Rice with Pico de Gallo: Top with a fresh pico de gallo made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
- Can I substitute rice with quinoa? Yes, you can substitute rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Can I use different types of salsa? Yes, use your favorite salsa. Mild, medium, or hot salsa will all work well.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Can I freeze leftover Taco Rice? Yes, you can freeze leftover Taco Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skillet.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with vegetables such as lentils, beans, or tempeh.
- Can I use store-bought taco seasoning? Yes, you can use store-bought taco seasoning.
- Can I add spices to this recipe? Yes, you can add spices such as cumin, chili powder, or oregano for extra flavor.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of water? Yes, you can use chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the rice and beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it later.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice for a more nutritious option.
- Can I add sour cream to the rice while cooking? No, it is best to add sour cream as a topping.
- Can I use a different type of cheese dip? Yes, you can use any type of cheese dip you like.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven? No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop.
- Can I add beans to this recipe? Yes, you can add black beans, pinto beans, or any other type of bean you like.
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage.
- Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Can I make this recipe for a crowd? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger group.