Cheesy One-Pan Taco Rice

Cheesy One-Pan Taco Rice with rice, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, black beans, and chunky salsa, garnished with cilantro. A quick and easy Tex-Mex-inspired dinner from FoodForYourGood.com — Cheesy One-Pan Taco Rice – A bold and flavorful Tex-Mex meal made with rice, taco-seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and chunky salsa. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights! Find the full recipe at FoodForYourGood.com

Cheesy One-Pan Taco Rice: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner!

If you love bold, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying meals, then this Cheesy One-Pan Taco Rice is about to be your new favorite dinner. It’s quick, easy, and all made in one pan, so you get all the taco flavors you crave—without the mess! Whether you need a fast weeknight meal or a fun twist on Taco Tuesday, this recipe has you covered.

Taco rice, or “Taco Gohan,” actually has roots in Okinawa, Japan, where American soldiers stationed there in the 1960s craved the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Over time, it evolved into a hearty rice dish that blends the best of Mexican and American flavors—and today, it’s a staple in many home kitchens!

Best of all, this meal is super versatile. You can customize it with different proteins, spice levels, or toppings, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never a problem! Let’s get cooking—because cheesy, taco-flavored goodness is just 30 minutes away.

Recipe Yield: 4-5 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced tomatoes
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed)
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 cup salsa (chunky or smooth, your choice)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup chopped green onions
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
¼ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Season & mix: Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup salsa, coating the beef well for deep flavor.

3. Cook the rice: Add rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups beef broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in beans & cheese: Remove from heat, fluff the rice, then fold in black beans and 1 cup shredded cheese, letting it melt. Let sit for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Top & serve: Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges and sour cream on the side.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Keep the beans firm – Adding them at the end prevents them from getting mushy while still warming them through.
Don’t skip rinsing the rice – It removes excess starch and ensures perfectly fluffy grains every time.
Make it spicier – Use hot salsa, extra chili powder, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat!

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