Hey there, foodies! If you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and filling meal that the whole family will love, then this Cheesy Beef Taco Rice is the perfect dish for you! It’s got all the flavors of your favorite tacos, combined with hearty rice and melty cheese. This recipe is super easy to make, and it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with protein and will keep you satisfied all evening long. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Method
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping the vegetables. Take one small red onion and dice it into small pieces. Next, grab a bell pepper half red and half yellow will give a nice balance of sweetness and color. Slice them both into bite-sized pieces. This step is important because the vegetables need to soften quickly as part of the cooking process.
Cook the Vegetables
Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat and spray a light coat of frylight spray. Once the pan is heated, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn slightly translucent. This will help release their natural sweetness, creating a great base for the beef.
Cook the Beef
Now, it’s time to add the main ingredient 300g of lean 5% fat beef mince. Break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring that it gets browned and cooked all the way through. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Stir the beef frequently to prevent any burning or sticking to the pan, and keep cooking until it’s fully browned with no pink bits left.
Add Flavoring and Seasoning
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to add the seasoning that will make your dish stand out. Stir in 1 tsp of garlic, followed by 25g of taco seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are coated with the seasoning. Then, add 25g of tomato purée, 50g of salsa, and 125ml of water to create a flavorful sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Rice
At this point, it’s time to add the rice! You’ll need one packet (220g) of spicy Mexican wholegrain rice. Don’t worry about microwaving it first, as it will cook perfectly in the pan with the beef mixture. Simply pour the rice into the pan and stir everything together. Let the rice absorb all the juices from the beef and salsa mixture, blending the flavors. Keep stirring for 2-3 minutes to ensure the rice gets evenly distributed and heated through.
Top with Cheese
The next step is to add cheese! Sprinkle 40g of grated mozzarella (or cheddar if you prefer) along with 20g of Red Leicester cheese on top of the rice and beef mixture. Cover the pan with a lid or some foil to trap the heat and help the cheese melt into a gooey, cheesy topping. Leave the pan covered for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and everything is nicely combined, serve your cheesy beef taco rice hot! You can add extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for that finishing touch. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan or skillet
- Lid or foil for covering
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Cheese grater
Cheesy Beef Taco Rice A Quick and Flavorful Mid-Week Meal
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 small red onion
1 bell pepper (I used half red, half yellow)
300g 5% fat beef mince
1 tsp garlic
25g taco seasoning
Salt + pepper to taste
25g tomato purée
50g salsa
125ml water
1 packet (220g) wholegrain spicy Mexican rice
40g grated mozzarella/cheddar
20g Red Leicester cheese
Directions
- Prepare the vegetables Start by chopping the red onion and bell pepper into small pieces. You can use any color of bell pepper, but I prefer a mix of red and yellow for a sweet and vibrant flavor.
- Cook the veggies Heat a frying pan with a little bit of frylight spray. Toss in the onions and peppers and sauté until they start to soften (about 3 minutes).
- Cook the beef Add the 5% fat beef mince to the pan with the veggies. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the flavor Stir in the garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add the tomato purée, salsa, and water. Let it all simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and thicken a little.
- Mix in the rice Add the wholegrain spicy Mexican rice directly into the pan (no need to microwave it). Mix it all together until well combined.
- Top with cheese Sprinkle the grated mozzarella/cheddar and Red Leicester on top. Cover the pan with a lid or foil for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Serve and enjoy Once the cheese has melted, it’s time to serve! Dish it out onto plates, top with any extra toppings of your choice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking the beef Be sure to cook the beef thoroughly until it’s no longer pink to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Rice You don’t need to microwave the rice beforehand, but make sure it’s well mixed in with the beef and veggies to absorb all the flavors.
- Cheese melting Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts to prevent it from overcooking. You want that gooey texture, not burnt cheese!
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Beef Taco Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Want to take it up a notch? Add some guacamole or sour cream on top for that creamy finish.
Fun Fact
Did you know that wholegrain rice has more fiber than white rice? It’s not only tastier but also helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. So, not only are you getting a yummy dish, but you’re also eating something nutritious!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Taco Rice is a game-changer when it comes to quick and flavorful dinners. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s the perfect meal to prepare on busy nights when you need something hearty and delicious. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings! Whether you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, or savory, this dish has it all. Enjoy and happy cooking!
