Description
Mouthwatering taco rice with queso blends Mexican and Japanese culinary traditions in one comforting dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapenos
- Chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Bring water or broth to a vigorous boil in a medium pot, then introduce rice and butter. Immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight lid, and allow rice to steam for 15-18 minutes until grains reach perfect tenderness.
- Resting Phase: Remove pot from heat and let sit undisturbed for 3-5 minutes, allowing residual steam to complete the cooking process without lifting the lid.
- Fluffing Technique: Uncover and gently separate rice grains with a fork, creating a light, airy texture that serves as the base for the taco rice dish.
- Flavor Building: Brown ground meat in a skillet, incorporating taco seasoning to develop a robust, zesty profile that will complement the rice.
- Assembly: Layer the fluffy rice as a foundation, top with seasoned meat, sprinkle shredded cheese, and garnish with fresh salsa, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to create a vibrant, flavor-packed taco rice experience.
Notes
- Boost Rice Texture: Use cold water and add a pinch of salt during initial boiling to enhance grain separation and prevent clumping.
- Butter Enhancement: Select high-quality unsalted butter for richer flavor and smoother rice consistency, ensuring even distribution while cooking.
- Liquid Ratio Precision: Maintain exact water-to-rice proportion (typically 2:1) for perfectly cooked grains without becoming soggy or dry.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute butter with olive oil for vegan version or use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative, maintaining core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg