Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice (Easy One-Pot Dinner)

Cheesy fiesta taco rice is the kind of dinner that turns a plain weeknight into something worth celebrating. It’s cozy, bold, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy — and the best part? You make it all in one pot.

Table of Contents

This easy dinner is packed with flavor and comes together in 30 minutes or less. Made with ground beef or turkey, rice, beans, salsa, and melty cheese, cheesy fiesta taco rice is everything we love about tacos, burritos, and Tex-Mex casseroles… all rolled into one happy skillet. It’s perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, and anyone who loves a seriously satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot wonder — fewer dishes, more flavor
• Cheesy, saucy, and loaded with Tex-Mex goodness
• Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, meal prep-friendly
• Endlessly customizable — swap proteins, toppings, spice levels
• Ready in 30 minutes — real food, real fast

When you’re craving comfort food with a kick, cheesy fiesta taco rice delivers every time.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Dinner / Casserole
Cuisine	Tex-Mex / Southwest
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes
Yield	4 servings
Skill Level	Easy Peasy

Ingredients

(See full recipe card below for measurements!)

• Ground beef or turkey – classic taco base with protein and flavor
• Uncooked white rice – cooks in the pan and soaks up all that seasoning
• Taco seasoning – smoky, spicy flavor booster
• Salsa or diced tomatoes – adds moisture and a little tang
• Black beans – fiber, protein, and texture
• Corn (frozen or canned) – bursts of sweet crunch
• Shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey jack, or a blend — the “cheesy” in cheesy fiesta taco rice
• Broth or water – to cook the rice evenly
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Optional toppings – sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, lime

How to Make Cheesy Fiesta Taco Rice

1. Brown the Meat

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.

2. Add Seasoning & Veggies

Stir in taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and salsa or tomatoes. Cook for a couple of minutes so the flavors start blending together.

3. Add Rice and Liquid

Pour in the uncooked rice and broth. Stir to combine. Bring it all to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender.

4. Melt the Cheese

Remove the lid, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, then cover again and let it melt for a few minutes.

5. Add Toppings and Serve

Add your favorite toppings and serve hot. This cheesy fiesta taco rice is just begging for a dollop of sour cream and a handful of chopped cilantro.

Pro Tips for Success

• Rinse your rice to prevent it from getting too sticky
• Use full-fat cheese for the meltiest results
• Add more salsa if you want it saucier
• Stretch it with extra rice or beans for more servings
• Spice it up with chipotle powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce

Flavor Variations

Make this cheesy fiesta taco rice your own with a few easy swaps:

• Chicken Fiesta Rice: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef
• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms
• Creamy Edition: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese for richness
• Extra Hearty: Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Serving Suggestions

• Scoop it with tortilla chips like a hot dip
• Roll it into burritos or tacos
• Serve over greens for a taco-style rice bowl
• Add a fried egg and hot sauce for a brunch-y twist
• Make it a side dish for grilled meats or fajitas

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead: Yes! Cheesy fiesta taco rice holds up beautifully. Just reheat and top fresh.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Leftovers

• Use in taco bowls, wraps, or quesadillas
• Fill into bell peppers and bake
• Add to scrambled eggs for a breakfast hash
• Make a Tex-Mex lasagna-style casserole with tortilla layers

Freezing

Cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Warm cheesy fiesta taco rice in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen it up, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.

FAQs

Is taco rice the same as Spanish rice?
Not quite. Spanish rice is typically made with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, and often seasoned with cumin. Taco rice includes bolder taco-style spices, beans, meat, and cheese — it’s more of a one-dish meal.

What is taco rice in Okinawa?
Taco rice in Okinawa is a popular fusion dish combining seasoned ground beef (taco-style) served over white rice, often topped with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It’s a beloved fast food with Japanese-American roots.

What is Knorr taco rice?
Knorr taco rice is a packaged side dish mix that includes rice and taco-style seasonings. It’s a quick, store-bought option for making a taco-inspired rice dish at home.

Do you put rice in tacos?
Yes! While not traditional in Mexican tacos, rice is commonly added in Tex-Mex or American-style tacos for bulk and texture. It’s especially great in burritos and taco bowls too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight winner, cheesy fiesta taco rice is it. It’s hearty, flexible, and full of feel-good Tex-Mex flavors that everyone at the table will love. Whether you pile it into bowls or wrap it into burritos, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Looking for a low-carb swap? Try it with Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread on the side!