Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 25 mins | Total time: 35 mins | Yield: 6 servings
This taco rice with queso is an amazing one-pot skillet meal made with simple ingredients. The ground beef and Mexican rice are drenched in an easy queso cheese sauce. This is the best dinner ever!
INGREDIENTS
Taco Rice:
1 ½ c. uncooked white rice
1 lb lean ground beef
Salt & pepper for beef
1 small onion, diced
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
3 ½ c. chicken broth
¼ c. taco sauce or tomato sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Queso Sauce:
3-5 tbsp half & half
8 oz. Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese
How to make Taco Rice with Queso
Taco Rice:
Step 1: To a large skillet, add the ground beef and generously season with salt and pepper. Cook on high heat until the meat is completely cooked. DO NOT DRAIN. Then, adjust the heat to medium.
Step 2: Into the meat mixture, add the rice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the chicken broth and taco sauce. Mix well and bring everything to a gentle boil. Adjust the heat to low and put the lid on. Continue to cook for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring often.
Step 3: Take the skillet off the heat and serve the taco rice drizzled with queso sauce. If desired, garnish with some fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Queso Sauce:
Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the Velveeta with 3 tbsp of the half-and-half. Heat in the microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes or until completely melted, stirring every 30 to 45 seconds.
Step 5: If needed, add extra half-and-half until the sauce reached your desired consistency.
NOTES:
Pan drippings give the ground beef flavor and richness so I do not recommend draining. But if the meat produces too much fat, you can drain some if desired.
For this recipe, use your favorite queso sauce.
Use any flavor if the Queso Blanco variety of Velveeta is not available.
To make the queso sauce, you can also use heavy cream and white American cheese.
TIPS FOR COOKING RICE:
Make sure not to open the lid or stir more than needed.
Use only a fork to stir and scrape the bottom of the pan.
Ensure to keep the temperature at the lowest temperature while maintaining a simmer.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, DO NOT STIR or open the lid.