A bold, flavorful one-pan meal with taco-seasoned beef, rice, veggies, and melty cheese.

This Cheesy Taco Rice is a satisfying and simple dish that comes together quickly. It combines the best parts of taco night—savory ground beef, zesty spices, and creamy cheese—all mixed into fluffy rice. You can serve it as-is, roll it into burritos, stuff it in peppers, or load it into taco bowls!

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Ground beef (lean) – 450g
• Uncooked white rice – 200g (1 cup)
• Onion – 1 medium (150g), diced
• Bell pepper – 1 medium (120g), diced
• Garlic – 2 cloves (6g), minced
• Diced tomatoes (with juices) – 400g (1 can)
• Tomato paste – 1 tbsp
• Beef broth – 500ml (2 cups)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 200g
• Taco seasoning – 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for cooking)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions – for garnish (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Veggies & Seasoning

Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until vegetables are softened. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to evenly coat everything.

3. Stir in Rice and Liquids

Add the rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add the Cheese

Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in 150g of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt.

6. Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of sour cream if desired. Serve hot!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Load it into taco shells, burritos, or lettuce wraps
• Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole
• Add jalapeños, black olives, or corn for extra flair
• Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Go vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Use brown rice: Increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
• Add corn: Toss in 100g of sweet corn for a Tex-Mex twist.

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🧬 Nutrition Info (Per serving – approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbs	~45g
Fat	~25g
Fiber	~5g
Sugar	~6g

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Taco Rice is comfort food with a kick—loaded with bold spices, creamy cheese, and hearty rice. It’s a total win for taco night, and it’s even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite.