Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice – Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering adventure with our Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice recipe? This dish is bursting with the saporous flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, zesty salsa, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is a true celebration of flavors. Whether you’re searching for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe has everything!
This Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice has become an unquestioning favorite in our household! It all began when I was experimenting with traditional Mexican flavors and stumbled upon this gem. From then on, I knew I had struck gold. The combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef, hearty rice, and a delightful medley of spices was just truly magical.
And the best thing about this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make! Even on those busy weeknights, you can easily whip up this recipe, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal for the entire family. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible!
What makes this Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice Recipe So Special?
The explosion of flavors from the combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef, savory rice, and bold taco seasoning in every bite. All the ingredients come together like magic, making this dish both delightful and hearty. And with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can easily throw this dish together in a breeze. Not to mention, this recipe is pretty versatile and easy to customize. Throw in your fave veggies, even adjust the spice level according to your preference.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice?
Ground beef: For this recipe, I used 454g (1 lb.) of ground beef. Ground beef provides a satisfying and hearty protein base. And the addition of finely chopped onions add a hint of sweetness, balances the robust flavors of the beef and spices. While the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper raise the taste profile, infusing the dish with a mouthwatering aroma.
Taco seasoning: This is the secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive Mexican flair.
Whole kernel corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
Beef broth and water: Create a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice to absorb.
Tomato sauce: This brings a delicious, saucy element that binds all the ingredients together.
Long-grain rice: I used 200g (1 cup), becomes tender and fluffy as it cooks. The rice absorbs all the savory goodness from the beef and seasonings.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in perfection and blankets the dish. Also, adds a touch of indulgence to each forkful.
Steps To Make Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice:
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and onions.
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Step 4: Add the tomato sauce, salsa, beef broth, water, and uncooked rice to the skillet. Give it all a good stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, add the drained whole kernel corn.
Step 6: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 7: When the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it stand for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and infuse the dish with gooey goodness.
Step 8: Serve your Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice with a garnish of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and an extra dash of salsa for an unforgettable fiesta of flavors!
Tip:
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Easily customize your Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice. Add bell peppers, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra texture and color.
For a complete meal, serve this dish with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Of course! Ground turkey makes a marvelous leaner substitute for beef.
Can I use other variety of rice instead of long-grain rice?
Absolutely! You are welcome to use whatever rice you have available. Although, I prefer long-grain rice, but jasmine or brown rice (healthier option) can be used. Just keep in mind that the cooking time of the rice is different, make sure the rice is cooked correctly.
Can I use other vegetables to make this Mexican rice?
Yes! Other great options are bell peppers, green peas, even lima beans. Feel free to get creative, butternut squash, zucchini, green beans, sweet potatoes, poblano chiles or even carrots are amazing additions! If preferred, you can garnish the dish with chopped fresh greens such as spinach before serving.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 454 g 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 can 15 oz whole kernel corn, drained
- 240 ml 1 cup beef broth
- 120 ml 1/2 cup water
- 120 ml 1/2 cup salsa
- 227 g 8 oz tomato sauce
- 200 g 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 113 g 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium heat while breaking up the clumps as it cooks. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Before you set aside the cooked beef, make sure to drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: In the same pan you cooked the ground beef, sauté the onions for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Now, add the ground beef back to the pan, along with the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Step 4: Next, stir in the tomato sauce, salsa, beef stock, water, and rice. Bring everything to a boil on medium heat before adding in the whole-kernel corn.
- Step 5: Adjust the heat to low once the mixture is boiling and let it simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring often to ensure the rice is not sticking.
- Step 6: Then, top with the cheddar cheese and allow it to stand for another 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
