Let’s be honest—some nights, cooking dinner can feel like climbing a mountain. You’ve had a long day, the family’s hungry, and the thought of dirtying a pile of dishes is just exhausting. That’s exactly why I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to recipes: Taco Rice. It’s a quick, flavorful, one-skillet meal that comes together in a flash and always satisfies.
I first stumbled across this recipe on one of those whirlwind weeknights when everything was chaotic. Between helping the kids with homework and juggling a few work emails, I needed something that didn’t require much prep or thought. Taco Rice quickly became a lifesaver. And after tweaking it a bit over the years, I can confidently say this version is a family favorite.
What makes Taco Rice so special? For starters, it’s got everything we love: seasoned ground beef, tender rice, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of flavor from salsa. Plus, you only need six simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning
-
2 cups water
-
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked
-
1 cup salsa
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
That’s it—nothing fancy, nothing complicated. And if you’re like me, you might already be mentally ticking off these ingredients from your kitchen inventory.
STEP 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add your ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, stirring occasionally to make sure it browns evenly. You want the beef fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease. This helps keep the dish from getting too oily, especially since we’re adding more ingredients that carry their own moisture.
STEP 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Water
With the beef cooked and drained, it’s time to bring in that classic taco flavor. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the meat, then pour in 2 cups of water. Stir everything together well to combine.
Once mixed, let the mixture come to a boil. This step allows the seasoning to fully dissolve into the water and coat the beef, creating that rich, savory base we’re looking for.
STEP 3: Stir in the Rice
Now it’s time for the magic ingredient: Minute Rice. This quick-cooking rice makes the recipe come together so fast—perfect for those hectic evenings.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of uncooked Minute Rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid so it can soak up all that seasoned goodness.
Once everything is mixed together, cover your skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the rice cooks up perfectly fluffy.
Quick and Easy Taco Rice Recipe: A One-Skillet Dinner for Busy Nights
Let’s be honest—some nights, cooking dinner can feel like climbing a mountain. You’ve had a long day, the family’s hungry, and the thought of dirtying a pile of dishes is just exhausting. That’s exactly why I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to recipes: Taco Rice. It’s a quick, flavorful, one-skillet meal that comes together in a flash and always satisfies.
I first stumbled across this recipe on one of those whirlwind weeknights when everything was chaotic. Between helping the kids with homework and juggling a few work emails, I needed something that didn’t require much prep or thought. Taco Rice quickly became a lifesaver. And after tweaking it a bit over the years, I can confidently say this version is a family favorite.
What makes Taco Rice so special? For starters, it’s got everything we love: seasoned ground beef, tender rice, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of flavor from salsa. Plus, you only need six simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning
-
2 cups water
-
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked
-
1 cup salsa
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
That’s it—nothing fancy, nothing complicated. And if you’re like me, you might already be mentally ticking off these ingredients from your kitchen inventory.
STEP 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add your ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, stirring occasionally to make sure it browns evenly. You want the beef fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease. This helps keep the dish from getting too oily, especially since we’re adding more ingredients that carry their own moisture.
STEP 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Water
With the beef cooked and drained, it’s time to bring in that classic taco flavor. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the meat, then pour in 2 cups of water. Stir everything together well to combine.
Once mixed, let the mixture come to a boil. This step allows the seasoning to fully dissolve into the water and coat the beef, creating that rich, savory base we’re looking for.
STEP 3: Stir in the Rice
Now it’s time for the magic ingredient: Minute Rice. This quick-cooking rice makes the recipe come together so fast—perfect for those hectic evenings.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of uncooked Minute Rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid so it can soak up all that seasoned goodness.
Once everything is mixed together, cover your skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the rice cooks up perfectly fluffy.
Taco Rice: Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up, let’s cover a few common questions that might pop up while you’re preparing this quick and delicious Taco Rice. These tips should help you feel even more confident when making this one-skillet wonder.
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, you can use regular long-grain white rice if you don’t have Minute Rice on hand. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Regular rice typically takes about 15-20 minutes to cook and may need a bit more water.
Can I make Taco Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. Taco Rice reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely. You can spice it up by using a hot salsa, adding a dash of cayenne pepper, or stirring in some diced jalapeños. Customize the heat level based on your family’s preferences.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are both great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter version. The process stays exactly the same, but you may want to add a little extra seasoning since these meats have a milder flavor compared to beef.
What toppings go well with Taco Rice?
There are so many ways to dress up your Taco Rice. Some of our favorites include sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sliced black olives, avocado, and even a handful of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Taco Rice. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure that your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free. Always double-check the labels, as some seasoning mixes may contain gluten-based fillers.
Conclusion: Make Taco Rice Your Weeknight Hero
There you have it—Taco Rice, a simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. With minimal prep, just a handful of ingredients, and only one skillet to clean, it’s no wonder this dish has become a regular in our house.
I love how flexible this recipe is. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with toppings and add-ins, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what to make, give this Taco Rice a try. I think you’ll find it’s one of those reliable meals you come back to again and again.
PrintTaco Rice
This quick and easy one-skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups water
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the uncooked Minute Rice, making sure it is evenly distributed in the liquid.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir in the salsa and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is fully combined and the cheese is melted.
Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish can easily be customized with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños. Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day. Use any preferred salsa for varying levels of spice and flavor.
