Description
Looking for a quick and delicious side dish? Taco Rice is the perfect blend of seasoned rice, taco flavors, and a delicious mix of veggies and protein. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 package instructions. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water (or as directed by the seasoning packet). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until fully combined and the flavors meld.
- Combine rice and beef: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Add salsa: Stir in the salsa and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the taco rice with optional toppings like shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream on top.
- You can customize this dish by adding beans, corn, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg