If you’re searching for a delicious, no-fuss one pot dinner that’s guaranteed to satisfy, cheesy taco rice is your new go-to. Packed with bold flavors, tender meat, and melty cheese, this dish brings together everything you love about tacos, just in skillet form. It’s quick, comforting, and full of texture thanks to corn, beans, and fluffy rice. Whether you’re meal prepping or just feeding a hungry family, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to make cheesy taco rice from scratch, and why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Rice
One Pot = Less Mess, More Flavor
You don’t need fancy gear, just one deep skillet or Dutch oven. As the ingredients simmer together, the flavors deepen and mingle. The rice absorbs the broth and spice blend while the cheese melts into the crevices. It’s a hands-off recipe that rewards you with bold, layered taste.
For busy nights, this is one of the easiest dinners I turn to. And if you’re a fan of recipes like Spicy Ground Beef Fajita Rice Bowls or Chicken Broccoli Cheesy Rice Casserole, you’ll feel right at home here.
Cheesy Taco Rice – One Pot Dinner
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board (for optional toppings)
- Optional Nutritional Info (Estimated per serving)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn drained if canned
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings:
- sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Stir in rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- For a golden crust, sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
Ingredients & Customizations for Cheesy Taco Rice
Core Ingredients Breakdown
What makes cheesy taco rice such a hit? It’s all in the ingredients. Each one is simple, affordable, and likely already sitting in your pantry. Ground beef or turkey forms the base, seasoned generously with taco spices for that bold flavor punch. If you want to keep it light, lean ground turkey works just as well without sacrificing taste.
Then come the add-ins: black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. The beans add texture and protein. Corn gives it a pop of sweetness. Tomatoes bring in just the right amount of moisture and acidity to balance everything out. For the rice, long grain white rice or jasmine is best. It holds up without turning mushy.
But let’s be honest, the real star is the cheese. I use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. It melts beautifully and adds a gooey, savory finish. You can even sprinkle a little extra on top and broil for a golden crust.
Love recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Quick & Easy Recipe? Then you already know how much the right combo of simple ingredients can make a meal unforgettable.
Delicious Variations & Swaps
This dish is wildly versatile. Want it meatless? Swap the ground meat for lentils, crumbled tofu, or even chopped mushrooms. Craving more spice? Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne while cooking. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the top just before serving.
If you’re watching carbs, sub the rice for cauliflower rice. Prefer heartier grains? Quinoa holds up great and brings a nutty bite.
I often mix it up depending on what I’ve got, like adding leftover rotisserie chicken or using spicy salsa instead of tomatoes. It’s similar to how I play with flavors in One Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo, same method, different vibe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Cheesy Taco Rice
Quick One Pot Instructions
Making cheesy taco rice is as easy as it gets, and that’s the beauty of a one pot dinner. First, grab a deep skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add a little oil, then brown your ground beef or turkey. As it cooks, break it apart and sprinkle in your taco seasoning. I recommend homemade or low-sodium store-bought blends for full control of the flavor.
Once your meat is fully browned, stir in uncooked white rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth or water. Mix well so everything is evenly combined. Let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Right at the end, stir in your shredded cheese. It’ll melt into the rice, giving you that creamy, savory finish. For a golden touch, you can top with more cheese and pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Top with sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, or cilantro for that final pop of freshness, just like what you’d see in recipes like Easy Ground Beef Pot Pie.
Storage, Reheating & Freezer Tips
This dish stores like a dream. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water to loosen things up, or rewarm on the stovetop over low heat. It also freezes well, just skip adding the cheese until you’re ready to serve. I recommend freezing in meal prep portions for easy lunches or fast dinners.
Want something equally meal-prep friendly? Try Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup, another weeknight savior.
What to Serve With Cheesy Taco Rice
While this dish can totally stand alone, I love serving cheesy taco rice with a few fresh sides and toppings to really bring the Tex-Mex vibes to life. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast. Tortilla chips are great for scooping, it’s almost like a cheesy rice dip when hot out of the skillet.
For toppings, think creamy and cool. Sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole balance the heat. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens up the richness. You can also serve it with warm flour tortillas and let everyone build their own mini burritos.
It’s similar to how I serve One Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo, a full-flavored main with just the right sides to finish it off.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly the liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, about 35-40 minute, so check for doneness and add more broth as needed.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild to medium by default, depending on your taco seasoning. You can kick it up a notch with extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce. Or keep it kid-friendly by skipping the spice and letting everyone top their own bowl.
Can cheesy taco rice be made vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the ground meat for lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the spices and toppings.
What’s the best cheese to use for taco rice?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts best. Pepper Jack is great if you want a spicy twist. If you like creamy texture, stir in a little cream cheese or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.
Cheesy taco rice is everything a one pot dinner should be, quick, comforting, and loaded with bold flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks every box. The creamy cheese, hearty rice, and zesty taco seasoning make it a dinner worth repeating. And with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored.
So grab a skillet, your favorite cheese, and make this tonight. You’ll see why it’s one of my most requested weeknight meals, no fuss, all flavor, and very little cleanup. Trust me, this cheesy taco rice is about to become a new staple in your kitchen.
