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
Units
Scale
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.