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Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice is one of those weeknight dinners I keep coming back to when I am craving bold flavors and easy comfort food all in one pot. With just a few staple ingredients this dish delivers everything you love about tacos without fussing over multiple pans or heating up the oven for ages.
I first served this on a busy school night and my family scraped the skillet clean I now make double batches for lunch leftovers
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings savory heartiness Choose fresh meat with bright pink color
- Salt and pepper: boost flavor Look for finely ground for even distribution
- Chili powder: adds warmth and color Fresher spices really pop
- Cumin: gives an earthy layer Go for whole seeds ground fresh if possible
- Dried cilantro: adds classic taco vibes Seek out leaves that smell bright
- Onion: builds aromatic depth Firm heavy onions are best
- Minced garlic: punches up the savoriness Use plump cloves
- Rotel not drained: brings heat and tang Use fire-roasted or milder if needed
- Tomato sauce: creates saucy texture Hunt for smooth no sugar added brands
- Corn: adds sweet pops of flavor Fresh or frozen work if canned is not available
- Black beans: offer protein and creaminess Inspect for no added salt
- Chicken or beef broth: makes every grain rich Choose low sodium high quality stock
- Long grain white rice: yields perfect fluffiness Rinse until water runs clear
- Colby Jack cheese: makes the dish melty and cheesy Shred your own for best melt
- Sour cream: cools and enriches Use thick full fat for best dollops
- Cilantro: brings a fresh finish Bright leafy bunches are ideal
- Pico de gallo: adds zing and color Use homemade for extra pop
- Taco sauce: ties every topping together Opt for your favorite mild or spicy
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat This allows the meat to develop flavorful browned bits Stir occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains
- Add Seasonings and Onion:
- Stir in salt pepper chili powder cumin and dried cilantro Toss in chopped onion Continue to cook until onion softens and everything smells fragrant This will take 3 to 5 minutes Stir often so seasonings evenly coat every bite
- Drain the Grease:
- Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon off excess fat Removing extra grease ensures the dish is flavorful without being greasy
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Drop in minced garlic Rotel with all juices tomato sauce black beans corn broth and rinsed uncooked rice Stir thoroughly so everything is mixed from the bottom up This ensures rice cooks evenly
- Simmer the Rice:
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cover skillet tightly Let cook for 15 to 20 minutes Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even doneness The rice should absorb liquid and become tender
- Add Cheese and Melt:
- Turn off heat and stir in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese Fold until creamy and melty Scatter remaining cheese over the top Cover with a lid or place skillet briefly under a broiler for bubbling golden cheese
- Finish with Toppings and Serve:
- Spoon rice into bowls and pile on sour cream a scatter of cilantro spoonfuls of pico de gallo a drizzle of taco sauce and crunchy tortilla chips if you like
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My favorite part about this dish is the way melty Colby Jack wraps everything into creamy goodness I still remember the night my son begged for seconds and wanted to pack it cold for lunch the next day It has become a staple for every taco Tuesday and family movie night
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container This rice holds up well in the fridge for up to three days For best reheating add a splash of broth to restore moisture and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave Stir halfway through for even warming
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken work great if you are avoiding red meat For a vegetarian twist use lentils or crumbled tofu For cheese lovers swap Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice If you run out of black beans pinto beans are a good stand in
Serving Suggestions
This rice is a meal by itself but gets even better over crunchy tortilla chips for a nacho bake Or scoop it into warm flour tortillas for easy burritos A fresh jalapeno salsa or diced avocado on top adds freshness and cool contrast
Cultural and Historical Context
Fiesta taco rice is inspired by Tex Mex comfort and the tradition of stretching simple ingredients for a filling family meal The layering of rice beans and cheese echoes classic Mexican casseroles but the one pan approach is all about easy weeknight cooking
Seasonal Adaptations
Add diced fresh tomatoes and bell peppers in summer Stir in roasted sweet potatoes for fall warmth Swap in green chilies or jalapeno for a winter kick I love that this dish can adapt to whatever veggies are in season It is the perfect clean out the fridge dinner
Success Stories
I have made this taco rice for everything from busy weeknights to potluck parties It has never come home with leftovers My neighbor now texts me for this recipe every month and says her kids ask for it by name
Freezer Meal Conversion
Let rice mixture cool then scoop into zipper bags or freezer-safe containers Press out extra air and freeze flat for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen with a bit of water
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One pan and endless ways to customize make this taco rice a weeknight hero. Try it for your next family dinner—leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can ground turkey be used instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield a lighter but still flavorful dish.
- → How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly?
Keep the skillet covered during simmering and give a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time for best results.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder and Rotel, but you can adjust or use mild versions to control heat.
- → Can this be made ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
- → What toppings go well with this meal?
Popular options include sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, extra cheese, taco sauce, and tortilla chips for crunch.