Simple & Zesty Taco Rice Recipe That Kids Will Adore

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering taco rice recipe that blends Mexican and Japanese culinary traditions.

Zesty seasonings dance across fluffy rice, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, promising a quick and satisfying meal.

The combination of tender meat, perfectly seasoned rice, and fresh toppings makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Crisp lettuce, tangy cheese, and vibrant salsa add layers of texture and excitement to the plate.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of comfort and excitement that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that celebrates bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Why Taco Rice is a Weeknight Hero

• Whip up a delicious one-pan dinner that comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying.
• Combine classic taco seasonings with hearty beef, colorful vegetables, and beans to create a mouthwatering dish that will excite your taste buds.
• Customize this recipe with your favorite toppings, making it adaptable for picky eaters, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Load up on protein from ground beef, fiber from beans and vegetables, and energy-boosting rice for a well-rounded meal that keeps you full and happy.

Taco Rice: Everything You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this Taco Rice dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and freshness to the recipe, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices that provides the classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Salsa: Adds a tangy and zesty element to the Taco Rice, bringing moisture and additional taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that help balance and elevate the flavors of the ingredients.

• Black Beans: A protein-rich and nutritious addition that complements the ground beef.
• Corn Kernels: Provides a sweet and textural contrast to the other ingredients.
• White Rice: A neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the meat and seasonings.

• Shredded Cheese, Diced Tomatoes, Sliced Avocado, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Customizable garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the Taco Rice.

Kitchen Tools for Taco Rice Night

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for cooking ground beef and mixing all ingredients together.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing vegetables and preparing toppings precisely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of taco seasoning and salt.
• Can Opener: Necessary for opening canned beans and salsa if using pre-made versions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Flavorful Taco Rice

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crumbly.

Break the meat into small pieces while cooking and drain any extra fat from the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Blend

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet with browned beef.

Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture.

Thoroughly mix the ingredients and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the spice flavors.

Step 4: Create Hearty Mixture

• Salsa
• Corn kernels
• Black beans

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Integrate Rice

Fold cooked white rice into the skillet, blending everything until well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Let Flavors Develop

Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Remove skillet from heat and transfer Taco Rice to serving plates.

Top with optional garnishes.

Tips for Making the Best Taco Rice

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep taste and eliminate excess grease for a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Dice vegetables uniformly and avoid overcooking to maintain their texture and prevent becoming mushy in the final dish.
• Toast taco seasoning briefly in the pan to activate spices and enhance their aromatic qualities before mixing with other ingredients.
• Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent clumping and help the grains absorb the delicious sauce and spices more effectively.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.

Fun Ways to Change Up Taco Rice

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute, maintaining the same cooking technique and seasoning for a protein-rich meatless option.
• Chicken Swap: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, keeping the same spice profile and cooking method for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the classic taco rice flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rice, and verify all ingredient labels to create a safe version for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Taco Rice: Delicious Pairings and Toppings

• Family Fiesta Night: Transform this Taco Rice into a fun, interactive dinner where everyone builds their own rice bowl with personalized toppings and garnishes.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the Taco Rice into meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week, adding fresh toppings right before eating to maintain texture.
• Burrito Hack: Wrap the Taco Rice in large flour tortillas to create delicious, handheld burritos that are perfect for on-the-go meals or casual gatherings.
• Nacho Upgrade: Spread the Taco Rice over crispy tortilla chips, top with melted cheese, and bake for a quick and satisfying nacho-style dinner that everyone will love.

Storing Taco Rice for Leftover Perfection

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled Taco Rice to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this Taco Rice recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix and verify that your salsa contains no gluten ingredients. Always check labels carefully.

• How spicy is this Taco Rice?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. For a milder version, select mild salsa and a low-heat seasoning mix. For more heat, choose medium or hot options.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, crumbled tofu, or additional beans like pinto or kidney beans to maintain protein content and texture.

Taco Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting taco rice blends Mexican and Japanese culinary traditions into one delightful dish. Hearty ground beef, zesty seasonings, and creamy cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Components:

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, crumbling meat and eliminating excess grease.
2. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic into the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, thoroughly mixing and cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
4. Pour salsa into the skillet, then add corn kernels and black beans, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and creating a cohesive mixture.
5. Fold cooked white rice into the skillet, gently blending all components until thoroughly integrated and heated through.
6. Reduce heat and simmer the entire mixture for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference, ensuring balanced flavor throughout the dish.
8. Transfer taco rice to serving plates and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, tangy sour cream, chopped cilantro, and zesty lime wedges.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to create a quick one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep sessions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg