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To make Taco Rice, you need these key ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon olive oil - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped These items come together to create a tasty dish. The rice forms a perfect base. The meat adds flavor, while beans and corn give texture. You can make Taco Rice even better with these toppings: - Diced avocado - Sliced jalapeños - Chopped green onions These toppings let you add extra flavor and texture. They also make your dish look more colorful and fun. When using fresh or canned ingredients, consider the following: - Fresh tomatoes taste bright and juicy. They can enhance the flavor. - Canned black beans save time. They are easy to use and still healthy. - Fresh corn adds crunch. Frozen corn is a good alternative and cooks quickly. Choosing fresh or canned often depends on what you have. Both options work well for Taco Rice. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This helps to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of long-grain white rice with 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to low. Cover your pan and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Check if the rice is tender and the liquid is gone. After cooking, take it off the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. While the rice cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until the meat turns brown. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s extra fat, drain it off. This step keeps your dish from being greasy. Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the meat. Add about ½ cup of water and stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop. Now, it’s time to add the vegetables. Stir in 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring sometimes. Finally, add the cooked rice into the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Your Taco Rice is now ready to serve! To make great rice, start with a good ratio. I use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of broth. This helps the rice soak up flavor. Bring the water to a boil first. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes. After cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes before you fluff it. This keeps the rice light and airy. You can easily change the taste of your taco rice. Try using different meats, like chicken or even beans for a veggie option. Change the seasoning too! You can add extra chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a rich flavor. Want a zestier kick? Add lime juice or chopped jalapeños. You can also mix in different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Each choice adds a new twist to this dish! Presentation makes your taco rice look more appetizing. Use a clear bowl to show off the layers. Start with rice at the bottom, then add the meat and beans. Top with cheese, lettuce, and any other toppings you like. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Adding lime wedges on the side not only looks great but also gives a fresh zest. Everyone will want to dig in! Pro Tips Use Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a fresher and healthier alternative, create your own taco seasoning using a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Perfect Rice Texture: Make sure to let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking; this helps achieve a fluffy texture by allowing the steam to finish cooking the rice. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings according to your taste. Avocado, jalapeños, and green onions can add extra flavor and texture! Make It a Meal Prep: Taco Rice is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. {{image_2}} To make a tasty vegetarian taco rice, swap meat for more veggies. Use 1 cup of mushrooms or zucchini instead of ground turkey. You can also add 1 cup of bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Keep the black beans and corn for protein and texture. Use the same taco seasoning for flavor. This dish stays hearty and satisfying. For a vegan taco rice, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace sour cream with avocado or a vegan yogurt. Ensure your taco seasoning is free from animal products. You can add more beans or tofu for protein. This way, you keep it filling and flavorful without any animal products. If you need gluten-free taco rice, use gluten-free taco seasoning. Check that all canned goods, like beans and corn, are labeled gluten-free. You can use quinoa instead of rice for a nutty flavor. This keeps the dish gluten-free while still offering great taste and texture. To store leftover taco rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store taco rice in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to eat your taco rice again, take it out of the fridge. Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it in the microwave for about two minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer using the stove, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or water to the pan. Stir the taco rice until it is hot. This method keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. To freeze taco rice, first cool it completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Press out any air to avoid freezer burn. Taco rice can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the tips above for the best taste. Taco rice is a fun and tasty dish. It mixes rice with taco flavors. You start with cooked rice. Then, you add seasoned meat, beans, and veggies. Top it with cheese and lettuce. This dish is colorful and full of flavor. You can serve it for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy tacos in a bowl! Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white. Brown rice is healthier and has more fiber. Just remember, it takes longer to cook. You will need about 40-45 minutes for brown rice. Make sure to use the right amount of broth, too. It needs more water due to its texture. The flavor will still be great! You can find taco rice in many places. Some fast-food chains offer it. Look for Mexican restaurants that have it on the menu. It is popular in Hawaiian cuisine too! If you want to try it, check local eateries or food trucks. You might discover a tasty new spot! Taco rice is a tasty dish you can make at home. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips to make it perfect. Remember, you can customize it with fresh or canned items, and make it vegetarian or gluten-free. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Exploring taco rice lets you enjoy new flavors and textures in your meals. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings and variations. Embrace the fun of creating your own taco rice masterpiece, and share it with family or friends!

Taco Rice

A delicious and easy-to-make dish combining rice, seasoned meat, beans, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • optional diced avocado
  • optional sliced jalapeños
  • optional chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
  • While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat. Stir in about ½ cup of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the meat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Once the rice is ready, add it to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
  • Spoon the Taco Rice onto plates or into bowls. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Add any additional toppings as desired.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, layer the ingredients in a clear bowl to showcase the colorful toppings. Garnish with lime wedges on the side for an extra zest!
Keyword easy meal, one pot, rice, taco