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Skillet Taco Rice with Queso topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh herbs.

Taco Rice with Queso

A comforting, customizable dinner option that combines seasoned beef, rice, and warm queso, perfect for busy weeknights and leftovers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef (or turkey/chicken) Use leftover chicken in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Long grain white rice Brown rice works but needs more liquid and time.
  • 1 cup Beef broth (or water) Water works in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Salsa (or diced tomatoes) Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chiles if needed.
  • 1 cup Queso Store-bought or homemade; can use melted cheese with a splash of milk.
Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the ground beef in a big skillet or wide pot over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease but leave a small amount for flavor.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water until the meat is well coated.
  3. Add uncooked rice, broth or water, and salsa (or diced tomatoes). Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and cover. Let simmer until rice is tender, about 18 to 20 minutes.
  4. While the rice cooks, warm the queso in a small pot or microwave. Stir in a spoonful of milk if it's too thick, until it's pourable.
  5. Once the rice is done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust salt or spice as needed.
  6. Serve the rice in bowls and drizzle the warm queso on top.

Notes

Customize toppings and let diners build their own bowls. Ideas include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, and extra salsa. Queso should be added at the end to maintain creaminess.