Taco Rice with Queso is a bold and flavorful dish that combines seasoned taco-style ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy queso sauce. Inspired by Tex-Mex flavors and Okinawan Taco Rice, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting family dinner. Serve it as a standalone meal or as a filling for burritos, bowls, or nachos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Rich & Creamy: The queso adds a smooth, cheesy finish to the flavorful taco rice.
- Customizable: Make it spicy, add veggies, or swap proteins to fit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Taco Rice:
- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce or salsa
- Beef broth (or water)
- Olive oil
For the Queso Sauce:
- Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk or heavy cream
- Diced green chilies
- Jalapeños (optional, for spice)
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Salt & pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Directions
1. Cook the Taco Meat
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
2. Prepare the Rice
- While the meat cooks, prepare rice according to package instructions.
- Once done, fluff with a fork and mix into the taco meat, ensuring everything is well combined.
3. Make the Queso Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt cheese with milk, stirring frequently.
- Add diced green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon taco rice onto plates or bowls.
- Drizzle warm queso sauce over the top.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne, hot sauce, or extra jalapeños for a kick.
- Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with black beans, pinto beans, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce for a taco bowl.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze taco rice (without queso) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. Reheat queso separately over low heat, stirring constantly.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought queso?
Yes! Jarred queso works well if you’re short on time. Just heat and drizzle over the rice.
2. What type of rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, or even cilantro-lime rice pairs perfectly with this dish.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Taco rice stores well and can be reheated for easy meal prep.
4. How do I make it less spicy?
Skip the jalapeños and green chilies, and use mild taco seasoning.
5. Can I serve this as a burrito filling?
Yes! Wrap it in a tortilla with extra queso for a delicious taco rice burrito.
6. What’s the best cheese for queso?
Velveeta makes the creamiest queso, but shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack also work.
7. How do I prevent the queso from thickening too much?
Add a splash of milk while reheating to keep it smooth.
8. Can I add beans to the taco rice?
Yes! Black beans, kidney beans, or refried beans make a great addition.
9. What’s a good side dish for taco rice with queso?
Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a simple side salad.
10. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a homemade version.
Conclusion
Taco Rice with Queso is a simple yet satisfying dish packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a Tex-Mex feast, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try different toppings and variations to make it your own, and enjoy a homemade take on a restaurant favorite!
Print
Taco Rice with Queso
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This easy and delicious taco rice is loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy queso sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is a Tex-Mex favorite that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Taco Rice
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
For the Queso Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes 🍅
- Sliced jalapeños 🌶️
- Chopped cilantro 🌿
- Sour cream 🥄
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Make the Rice
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil.
- Add 1 cup rice and 1 tablespoon butter, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Taco Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. If using black beans or corn, stir them in now.
Make the Queso Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with seasoned taco beef.
- Drizzle warm queso sauce over the top.
- Add any extra toppings and serve immediately!
Notes
- Rice Substitutes: Try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a different twist.
- Queso Add-Ins: Stir in diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in separate containers and reheat when ready to eat.