Name: Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef, raw; 1/2 cup Yellow onion, diced small; 1 cup Green bell pepper, diced small; 1 can (10 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce; 1 packet Taco seasoning ((about 1 oz)); 2 cups Cooked long-grain rice ((white or long-grain cooked per package instructions)); 1/2 cup Beef broth ((warm or room temperature)); 2 cups Shredded cheese ((cheddar + Monterey Jack blend, or Mexican blend)); Salt and pepper ((to taste)); Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped ((optional garnish))

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Creamy, juicy, and absolutely loaded with flavor, Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice is the kind of weeknight wonder that disappears before you can say dinner is served. This skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers and onions, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and fluffy rice, all brought together by a blanket of melty cheese. Fun fact: many home cooks started adding cheese to taco-style rice dishes during cold winters when casseroles were the ultimate comfort food — comfort and convenience in one pan.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and wildly family-friendly. It requires basic pantry staples, comes together in under 30 minutes, and pleases picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike. If you enjoy one-pot favorites, you might also like my version of Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, which leans more casserole-style but shares the same cozy flavors. Get ready to make a new weeknight classic — your family will thank you.

What is Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice?

Have you ever wondered what happens when tacos and comfort food fall madly in love? That’s Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice. Why the name? Because it tastes like a taco and feels like warm, cheesy home cooking all at once. Who named it — a chef with a sense of humor or a home cook who wanted dinner on the table fast? Either way it works. And if you need a nudge: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a solo comfort bowl, this dish hits the spot. Try it tonight and see why this mashup of taco flavors and cheesy rice is so addictive.

Why You’ll Love This:

First, the main highlight: melty, savory cheese fused with seasoned beef and rice creates a rich, satisfying texture that’s both creamy and hearty. Every forkful gives you a little tang from the tomatoes with chilies and the soft bite of bell pepper.

Second, cost-saving benefits: this recipe uses affordable staples — ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, and basic spices — which means you can stretch your grocery dollar while feeding a family. It’s an economical way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without takeout prices.

Third, the flavors and toppings: shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack (or a Mexican blend) add sharpness and creaminess; optional fresh cilantro or parsley brightens the plate. If you love layered, comfort-food flavors, check out this twist on a similar dinner, the Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, for another cheesy take. Ready to make this at home? Let’s get cooking.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because it’s mostly one-skillet cooking: brown your meat with veggies, stir in seasonings and tomatoes, fold in cooked rice and broth, then melt cheese on top. The result is a creamy, slightly saucy dish with a rich taco profile and a tender, cheesy finish. Prep is about 10 minutes and cook time around 20 minutes, so you’ll be at the table in roughly 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, raw
1/2 yellow onion, diced small
1 green bell pepper, diced small
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
2 cups cooked long-grain rice (white or long-grain cooked per package instructions)
1/2 cup beef broth, warm or room temperature
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack blend, or Mexican blend), shredded for easy melting
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease by tilting the pan and carefully spooning it out or using a paper towel to absorb it.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in the taco seasoning, the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and the can of tomato sauce. Mix until well combined and the liquid is simmering gently.
Add the cooked rice and 1/2 cup beef broth to the skillet. Gently fold everything together with a spatula so the rice is evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld and the rice absorb some of the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef and rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice

What to Serve With:

A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping and extra crunch
Mexican street corn or a simple corn salad for sweet contrast
Sliced avocado or guacamole for creamy coolness
A cold cerveza, iced tea, or a citrusy margarita to round out the meal

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use freshly cooked rice that’s slightly cooled for best texture; day-old rice works well.
For leaner results, choose 90% lean ground beef and drain thoroughly.
Swap half the beef for browned chorizo or turkey for a flavor or calorie twist.
If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce when adding the taco seasoning.
Avoid overcooking after adding cheese — melt until just bubbly to keep cheese creamy, not gummy.
If the mixture looks dry, stir in another tablespoon or two of beef broth until you reach the desired sauciness.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave covered in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add fresh cheese or cilantro after reheating for brightness.

FAQs

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or pre-cooked rice is ideal because it stays tender and separate. Day-old rice is great if you want less sticking.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based ground beef substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I make this spicier or milder?
For more heat, add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or spicy taco seasoning. To mellow it, use mild tomatoes with chilies or reduce the taco seasoning by half.

Is it okay to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture. Pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that slightly affect melting.

Can I prepare this ahead and bake later?
Yes. Assemble the mixture in a baking dish, cover tightly, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, then top with cheese and bake until melted.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice is a fast, flavorful weeknight winner: uncomplicated to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it’s a great recipe to rely on when you want something comforting and crowd-pleasing. If you enjoyed this skillet, you might also like this version of Cheesy Taco Rice from a Midwest kitchen, or this Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet which offers another delicious take on the same idea. Try them for variety and keep this easy favorite in your regular dinner rotation.