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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Rice Bake

cheesy ground beef taco rice bake - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pan dish combining ground beef, taco seasoning, rice, and melty cheese, perfect for busy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without browning.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Pour in uncooked rice and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
  7. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  10. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Return to oven uncovered for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to avoid greasiness. Be precise with broth measurements to avoid soggy or undercooked rice. Use a tight-fitting lid or foil when baking to cook rice evenly. For extra cheesiness, mix some cheese into the rice mixture before baking and top with more cheese at the end. If rice isn’t done after 30 minutes, bake covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cast iron skillet helps create a crispy crust on edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, taco rice bake, cheesy, quick dinner, family meal, one-pan, easy recipe, Tex-Mex