Name: Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups cooked long-grain rice; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack blend); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

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Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice

Introduction
This Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice is an easy, satisfying one skillet meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melting cheese in a single pan. The first bite delivers warm, savory beef with a gentle tomato tang and a touch of green chili heat, while the vegetables add a soft, slightly sweet crunch. The texture is creamy and comforting thanks to the melted cheddar and Monterey Jack blend, with fragrant taco seasoning and tomato aromatics filling the kitchen as it simmers. It is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a hearty family dinner when you want something quick, filling, and beloved by kids and adults alike. If you enjoy cozy, cheesy dishes, you might also like this take on cheesy broccoli au gratin, which pairs well with a simple green salad cheesy broccoli au gratin.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, Provides the savory protein base, brown until no longer pink.
1/2 yellow onion, diced, Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 green bell pepper, diced, Brings a mild, fresh crunch and color.
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, Adds tomato flavor and a mild chili kick, use the juices as written.
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, Thickens the sauce and adds rich tomato character.
1 packet taco seasoning, Provides the classic taco spices for bold flavor.
2 cups cooked long-grain rice, or cook 1 cup uncooked rice in 2 cups beef broth before adding, Use cooked rice for quick assembly or follow the uncooked rice option for extra flavor.
1/2 cup beef broth, Adds liquid for simmering and layers of savory taste.
2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar + Monterey Jack blend, or Mexican blend, Use a melty mix for creamy texture and a sharp, cheesy finish.
Salt and pepper, to taste, Season at the end to balance flavors.
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, optional garnish, Brightens the dish and adds color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet. Tip, if your beef is very lean, you can skip draining.
Sauté the vegetables. Add the diced 1/2 yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper to the skillet, and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add tomatoes, sauce, and seasoning. Stir in the 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, the 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, and the 1 packet taco seasoning. Mix well so the seasonings coat the beef and vegetables.
Stir in rice and broth. Add the 2 cups cooked long-grain rice, or if you cooked rice separately use that, and pour in the 1/2 cup beef broth. Stir until everything is combined and the rice is evenly distributed.
Simmer gently. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it does not stick and the flavors meld.
Melt the cheese. Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded cheese over the hot mixture, then stir until melted and creamy. Work quickly so the cheese becomes smooth and coats the rice and beef.
Season and adjust. Taste the dish, then add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the taco seasoning adds saltiness.
Garnish and serve. Spoon into bowls, and top with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, then serve hot. For an alternate cheesy dinner idea, try these savory cheesy egg puffs for a side or brunch option cheesy egg puffs.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice is a weeknight hero, delivering bold, familiar flavors with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. It reheats well, freezes easily, and is a great base for adding whatever you have on hand. If you want another variation on cheesy taco style rice, see Modern Honey for a similar skillet take Modern Honey’s Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet, and for a different twist on cheesy taco rice, check out the recipe on Cooking in the Midwest Cooking in the Midwest’s Cheesy Taco Rice. Give this recipe a try, then come back and share how your family enjoyed it, warm and satisfying as a simple weeknight favorite.