Cheesy Taco Rice
A skillet dinner big on flavor and easy on cleanup. Serves 4.
When you’re cooking in an extended stay kitchen, simple dinners that come together in one pan are always a win. This Cheesy Taco Rice recipe is a hearty, comforting meal made with pantry staples and frozen vegetables, and it’s designed to be both filling and flexible. Eat it just as is, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or prep it for lunches or dinner tomorrow. It also makes a great filling if you have tortillas left over from your breakfast burritos or smashburger tacos!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups frozen chopped peppers and onions
- 1 1⁄2 cups white rice
- 2 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla strips or corn chips for topping
Instructions
1. Brown the beef. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled.
2. Add vegetables and seasonings. Stir in the frozen peppers and onions and cook until softened. Add the rice and taco seasoning, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture toast for a minute or two to build flavor.
3. Simmer. Pour in the broth and milk. Stir gently until well combined. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the cheese. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully.
5. Make it creamy and cheesy. Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese and half of the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Finish and serve. Top with tortilla strips or corn chips just before serving for added crunch.
Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, taco sauce, lime juice, cilantro, etc!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Comfort food made easy with familiar taco flavors in a cozy, cheesy skillet.
- One skillet means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
- It's budget-friendly by using affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
- It's also a flexible extended stay meal option that can be prepped for later, or served with an assortment of your favorite taco-night toppings!
Extended stay cooking tips
1. Please be kind to the plumbing during your stay! Avoid pouring grease down the sink. Instead, carefully drain excess grease into a disposable container like a paper coffee cup, or absorb it with a paper towel and discard in the trash once cooled.
2. Make it your own. Ground turkey works just as well as beef and may be the more budget-friendly option.
3. Add extra veggies. Stir in your favorite salsa, some canned corn, and/or black beans.
4. Great for leftovers. This dish reheats well, makes an easy next-day meal, and would also be great in a tortilla.