Description
Taco Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, and fresh vegetables layered over tender white rice. This easy-to-make recipe blends the zest of taco seasoning with wholesome ingredients, offering a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
Beef Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of uncooked white rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned evenly. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in one packet of taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water into the browned beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens and the beef is fully coated with the seasoning.
- Incorporate Black Beans: Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the beef mixture. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Assemble Taco Rice: When both the rice and beef mixture are ready, start assembling. Spoon a layer of cooked rice onto each serving plate as the base.
- Layer Toppings: Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the rice. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for freshness and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the dish with sour cream dollops and sliced black olives. Add any additional toppings as desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the Taco Rice warm for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning packet is certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
