Description
This Best Taco Rice recipe combines flavorful seasoned ground beef with fluffy long-grain white rice and savory vegetables, making a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Enhanced with salsa and optional cheddar cheese and cilantro, it’s an easy skillet dish that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water (or as directed by seasoning packet)
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions until tender and fluffy. Once done, set the rice aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with the indicated amount of water (usually 1 cup), according to the seasoning packet’s directions. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine rice and beef: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to mix everything evenly and ensure the rice is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Add salsa: Stir in the salsa and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the taco rice and garnish with optional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using ground turkey instead of beef reduces the fat content for a leaner option.
- Bell pepper is optional but adds extra flavor and nutrients.
- You can adjust the type and amount of salsa to suit your preferred spice level and consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian taco seasoning.
