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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) I love using fresh and simple ingredients in my One Pot Taco Rice. The ground beef or turkey brings richness, while the rice absorbs all the tasty flavors. Black beans add protein and fiber, making this dish hearty. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add spice and sweetness. You can use fresh corn, frozen, or canned corn for texture. Onion and garlic are key for building a strong base. They bring a nice aroma and flavor. Taco seasoning ties everything together with its warm spices. I prefer using chicken or vegetable broth for depth. Olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, giving a smooth finish. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the dish, adding creaminess. Finally, fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness. With these ingredients, you create a dish that is both simple and full of flavor. It’s an easy comfort food everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onion and garlic: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute. Stir it constantly to prevent it from burning. 2. Browning the meat: Now, add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Adding taco seasoning: Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir well, making sure the meat is fully coated in those spicy flavors. 4. Stirring in rice and beans: Add the rinsed long-grain white rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and broth to the pot. Mix everything together until well combined. 5. Simmering process: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom. 6. Adding cheese and fluffing rice: After 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender. If it is, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and mixes in. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork. You can garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Serve hot and enjoy! To prevent sticking and burning, choose a large pot. This gives you room to stir. Use medium heat while cooking. Stir often, especially when adding the rice and beans. This helps keep everything from sticking to the bottom. If you notice it starting to stick, add a little more broth to loosen things up. When adjusting cooking times, check the rice at the 15-minute mark. If it’s still hard, cover and simmer a bit longer. Each stove is different, so times may vary. Just be sure to keep an eye on it. You can customize spice levels by adding more or less taco seasoning. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. For a milder taste, use less seasoning. You can also try a different blend of spices to change the flavor. For toppings, think outside the box! Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa can add a nice touch. Fresh avocado or sliced green onions also work well. You can even sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep the dish healthier while still being flavorful. Custom Taco Seasoning: Make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a personalized touch. Rice Variety: If you're feeling adventurous, swap long-grain rice for brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a different texture. Extra Toppings: Enhance your taco rice by adding toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor and creaminess. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground beef or turkey for chicken. Simply use one pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it until it's no longer pink. For plant-based options, try using lentils or a meat substitute. These choices add great flavor and texture. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, skip the meat and use extra beans. Black beans or pinto beans work well. You can also use tofu crumbles for added protein. This keeps the meal filling and nutritious, while still being easy to make. If you're looking to mix things up, try using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds more fiber and has a nutty flavor. Just remember it may take longer to cook; about 45 minutes instead of 20. Quinoa is another great choice. It cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture. You can also switch the beans. If you want a different taste, use kidney beans or chickpeas. Each type of bean will add its own unique flavor to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment! To keep your One Pot Taco Rice fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Let the dish cool first, then transfer it to the container. You can store leftovers for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When freezing, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the rice will expand. Label the container with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long it’s been stored. You can reheat One Pot Taco Rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. For the stovetop, add the rice to a pan. Pour in a bit of broth or water. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. This helps maintain the rice's flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal just as you made it! How do I know when the rice is done? You know the rice is done when it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check it after about 20 minutes of simmering. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make One Pot Taco Rice ahead of time. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Is it possible to freeze One Pot Taco Rice? Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. What can I serve with One Pot Taco Rice? Serve One Pot Taco Rice with a side salad, tortilla chips, or guacamole. You can also add sour cream or avocado slices to enhance the meal. You can create a delicious One Pot Taco Rice dish by following the steps outlined above. Start with fresh ingredients like ground meat, rice, and spices. Cook them in one pot for easy clean-up. Customize flavors with added toppings or swap ingredients based on your taste. This dish is great for meals throughout the week. Store leftovers properly for future enjoyment. I hope this guide helps you make a flavorful meal your family will love. Enjoy your cooking!

Spicy One Pot Taco Rice

A flavorful and easy one-pot meal featuring taco-seasoned rice, beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
  • Add the rinsed rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
  • Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword easy, one-pot, rice, spicy, taco