When you need a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and loaded with cheesy goodness, Taco Rice with Queso is the answer. This dish is the perfect fusion of classic taco flavors and creamy queso, making it a hit for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. It’s quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and so delicious you’ll find yourself making it on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple & Quick: Made in one skillet with minimal prep.
- Filling & Flavorful: Perfectly seasoned beef, tender rice, and creamy queso.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a hungry family or group of friends.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or add extra toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 oz. taco seasoning packet
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip (any variety)
- Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef in that smoky, spicy goodness.
- Mix in Rice & Salsa: Add the salsa and uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Pour in the water or broth, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Queso: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat Gordo’s Cheese Dip for 60 seconds (or until warm and melty). Stir and drizzle generously over the taco rice.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with sliced green onions (or your favorite taco toppings) and serve straight from the pan.
Tips to Make Taco Rice with Queso Perfect Every Time:
- Brown the Beef Well: Let the ground beef sear to develop a rich, savory flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning, add a splash of broth to lift those tasty bits stuck to the pan.
- Layer the Seasoning: Season in stages — beef, rice, and broth — to deepen the flavor.
- Choose Your Queso Wisely: Gordo’s is delicious, but any good-quality queso dip works.
- Simmer with Patience: Keep the heat low and let the rice fully absorb the broth for fluffy, tender grains.
- Use Chicken Broth for Extra Flavor: It gives the rice more depth than plain water.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
- Double the Batch: It reheats beautifully, so make extra for easy leftovers.
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Warm the Queso Slowly: Heat the queso gently to avoid it becoming grainy.
Fun Variations to Try:
- Mexican Street Corn Style: Add charred corn, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- Spicy Fiesta: Use hot salsa, spicy taco seasoning, and extra jalapeños.
- Taco Rice Burritos: Roll the mixture into tortillas for easy handheld meals.
- Cheesy Casserole: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Beef & Bean Boost: Add black beans or pinto beans for more protein and texture.
- Cauliflower Rice Swap: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Creamy Southwest: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Crunchy Topping: Finish with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions.
- Tex-Mex Breakfast: Top leftovers with fried eggs and avocado.
- Chicken Version: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.
FAQs:
-
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, but reduce the liquid and cooking time. Start with 2 cups of broth, simmer for 10 minutes, and check the texture. -
What can I substitute for Gordo’s Cheese Dip?
Any store-bought queso works, or you can make your own with melted Velveeta, Rotel tomatoes, and a splash of milk. -
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan, and stir occasionally. If it starts to stick, add a little extra broth and keep the heat on low. -
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except the cheese dip) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stir in the warmed queso before serving, and top with green onions. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free taco seasoning, cheese dip, and double-check your broth. -
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, or black beans make great additions. -
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep the rice moist, or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. -
Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Use spicy taco seasoning, hot salsa, or add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. -
What protein swaps work best?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are great alternatives to ground beef. -
Can I use brown rice?
Sure! Just extend the cook time to 35-40 minutes, and add about ½ cup extra broth. -
How can I make this a complete meal?
Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or tortilla chips and guac for a full spread! -
What toppings go well with this dish?
Green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and even crushed tortilla chips for crunch. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — swap the cheese dip for a dairy-free queso alternative, and use a dairy-free broth. -
What’s the best salsa to use?
Use your favorite! Mild, medium, or hot — even fruit-based salsas like mango or pineapple can add a unique twist. -
Can I use leftover taco meat?
Absolutely! If you already have seasoned taco meat, just warm it up and start from the step where you add rice and salsa. -
Will this work as a meal prep dish?
Yes, it stores well! Divide into portions, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. -
How can I make the queso stretch further?
Thin the queso with a splash of milk or broth so it spreads more evenly over the rice. -
What if my queso gets too thick?
Reheat it slowly with a bit of milk, stirring until smooth again. -
Can I turn this into a burrito filling?
Yes! Just spoon the taco rice into large tortillas, add more queso, roll them up, and enjoy! -
What sides pair best with Taco Rice?
Try refried beans, roasted corn, Mexican street corn, or a light citrus salad to balance the dish.