If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and gooey, melty cheese, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe. It’s an absolute weeknight hero that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender rice, zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, and sharp cheddar all in one skillet. The magic happens when the cheese melts into a creamy blanket over the rice, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying fiesta on your plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner just for yourself, this recipe promises a quick, fuss-free meal that tastes like a flavorful celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate holds a rectangular block of pink ground beef with clear ridges. Surrounding it on a white marbled surface are white bowls and a white mug with different ingredients: a bowl of yellow shredded cheese, a bowl of black shiny beans, a bowl of white uncooked rice, a bowl of light brown taco seasoning, a bowl of bright red Rotel tomatoes with bits of yellow, a small white pitcher of dark brown broth, and a small white pitcher of smooth reddish enchilada sauce. The colors vary from deep reds and browns to bright yellows and blacks, all arranged neatly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, yet each one plays a crucial role in layering incredible flavor, texture, and color into this one-pan wonder.

1 pound ground beef (80/20): Provides a rich, hearty base packed with savory flavor and juiciness.
1 packet (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning: Brings that classic Mexican spice blend that defines the dish.
1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory juices and keeps each bite tender and fluffy.
10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes: Adds a vibrant pop of tomato and mild heat to brighten the dish.
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: Introduces earthy flavor and protein for a satisfying texture.
1 cup red enchilada sauce: Layers in tangy, smoky depth that ties all the ingredients together.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory moisture, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, creamy topping that’s utterly irresistible.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance the dish.
Toppings: Sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos for freshness and a little kick.
Tortilla chips, for serving: Adds a satisfying crunch and fun contrast to the creamy rice.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks, letting it brown beautifully. This step seals in the beef’s savory juices and creates a rich foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Ingredients

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then stir in the rice, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, red enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Don’t forget to add a couple large pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper for seasoning. Stir everything together so all the ingredients are evenly combined and ready to simmer.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Give it a good stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any bits of rice that might be sticking. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting the rice cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all the flavorful liquids and become tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Once the rice is fully cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the top, then cover the pan again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into a gooey, heavenly layer. Alternatively, you can pop the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheesy crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

A large round white pot with light green handles holds a thick, cooked mixture of rice, black beans, ground meat, and small chunks of red tomatoes that cover the whole surface in a warm brown sauce. The rice grains are soft and slightly shiny, blending with small dark beans and bits of cooked meat throughout. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe, add dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, sliced green onions for crunch, and a few sliced jalapenos for heat if you like a little spice. These fresh toppings add vibrant colors and layers of texture that make every bite exciting and delicious.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips to scoop up the cheesy rice, or you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or Mexican street corn for a balanced meal that hits all the right notes. A side of guacamole also complements the bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe a centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled to perfection, or layer it in a casserole dish for a crowd-pleasing fiesta. For a fun twist, turn it into taco-stuffed peppers or use it as a filling for burrito bowls. The possibilities are endless and always flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal you can reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked rice and beef mixture before adding the cheese to maintain the best texture. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, then add fresh cheese and toppings.

Reheating

Reheat Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Add cheese on top again and cover to melt before serving to recreate that fresh-out-of-the-pan experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as turkey can be milder than beef.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce do not contain gluten. Always check the labels to be sure.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for extra beans, veggies like bell peppers and corn, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and a bit of garlic powder to achieve that rich, tangy flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel, omitting jalapenos, or adding more for extra kick.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with bold, layered flavors that make dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen. I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as I have — it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and always delivers satisfaction in every cheesy, savory bite.

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe