Go Back
- 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup salsa - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering these ingredients makes cooking easy. Long-grain rice is the base for this dish. The vegetable broth adds flavor and helps cook the rice. Olive oil makes sautéing easier and tastier. Onion, garlic, and bell pepper bring out great flavors. Next, you need black beans and corn. They add a nice texture and protein. Taco seasoning gives that classic taco taste. Cheddar cheese makes it creamy and rich. Salsa adds a zesty kick. For a fresh touch, don't forget cilantro. It brightens up the dish. Salt and pepper adjust the taste to your liking. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful one-pot meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. This broth adds great flavor. Once it’s bubbling, add 1 cup of long-grain rice. Stir the rice in and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small diced onion and a diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they soften. This step builds a tasty base for our dish. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute. The garlic will make the kitchen smell amazing. Now, stir in 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Mix everything well and heat it through for about 3 to 5 minutes. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork. Add the rice to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in 1 cup of salsa and stir it all together until well mixed and hot. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness! To cook rice perfectly, start with rinsing it. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove extra starch. Next, boil the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the rinsed rice. Stir it gently, reduce the heat, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. When done, the rice should be fluffy and the liquid absorbed. For sautéing vegetables, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir often for about 5 minutes, until soft. Adding garlic last helps keep its strong flavor. Cook the garlic for just one minute until it smells good. You can boost flavor with spices. Try adding cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper taste. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish. For heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Mixing in fresh herbs like oregano or even a bit of cilantro can enhance the overall taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors that you love. Garnishing makes your meal look nice. Use fresh cilantro as a bright green topping. Sprinkle it on right before serving. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices on top for extra flavor and color. Serve Cheesy Taco Rice in colorful bowls. This adds to the fun. Pair it with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast. The bright colors and flavors make the dish even more inviting. Pro Tips Use Quality Rice: For the best texture, opt for long-grain rice that is fresh and stored properly. This will ensure it cooks evenly and has a fluffy consistency. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning according to your taste preference or spice tolerance. You can add more chili powder for heat or even a pinch of sugar to balance flavors. Add Fresh Ingredients: For a burst of flavor, consider adding fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños. They can enhance the dish and add extra freshness. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist on the classic cheesy flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in Cheesy Taco Rice. - Adding ground meat options: Try ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Cook the meat first, then add the veggies. This adds flavor and richness to the dish. - Vegetarian protein substitutes: If you prefer a meatless version, use lentils or tofu. Both options add protein and blend well with the spices. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. - Gluten-free alternatives: Use gluten-free taco seasoning. Most brands offer tasty options that fit this need. - Dairy-free cheese options: Look for plant-based cheese. Many melt well and taste great in this dish. Get creative with your ingredients. - Seasonal vegetables: Use what’s fresh. Zucchini, spinach, or seasonal peppers add color and nutrients. - Alternative beans and grains: Swap black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas. You can also try quinoa or brown rice for a different texture. Experimenting with these variations makes your Cheesy Taco Rice special every time! To keep your Cheesy Taco Rice fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerating: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep flavors intact and avoids spoilage. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your Cheesy Taco Rice. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, you want to keep that tasty texture. Here are my go-to methods: - Stovetop: This method keeps the rice moist. Place the rice in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot. - Microwave: For a quick option, use the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. These tips help you enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice again and again! What is Cheesy Taco Rice? Cheesy Taco Rice is a one-pot meal. It combines rice, beans, corn, and spices. This dish is creamy and full of flavor. The melted cheese on top adds richness. It’s a comforting meal for the whole family. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make Cheesy Taco Rice ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it when you are ready to serve. It tastes great even after a day or two. What can I serve with Cheesy Taco Rice? You can serve Cheesy Taco Rice with a side salad or tortilla chips. It pairs well with guacamole or sour cream. You can also add some sliced jalapeños for extra heat. How long does Cheesy Taco Rice last in the fridge? Cheesy Taco Rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in a sealed container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. What can I substitute for taco seasoning? You can make your own taco seasoning. Use equal parts cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add chili powder or cayenne for more heat. This allows you to control the flavors better. Cheesy Taco Rice combines basic ingredients with fun additions for a tasty meal. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. Variations let you customize the dish for any diet. Store leftovers properly and reheat to enjoy later. This dish is flexible, making it perfect for everyone. Enjoy creating your own version and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Cheesy Taco Rice

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring rice, beans, corn, and cheese with taco flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth until boiling. Add the rice, stir, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  • While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Mix well and cook for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
  • Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet. Pour in the salsa and stir everything together until well combined and heated.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Keyword cheesy, rice, taco, vegetarian