If you’re looking for an easy, cozy dinner that checks all the weeknight boxes, this One Pot Taco Meat and Rice is about to become a new favorite. Everything cooks together in one pan: juicy seasoned meat, tender rice, and a savory, slightly saucy base that’s perfect for scooping into warm tortillas, piling into bowls, or spooning into crisp lettuce cups. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, totally customizable with your favorite toppings, and the best part…there’s only one pot to wash, which makes this taco night even better for busy families. I love one-pot recipes, and I hope you do too! Let me know what you think and if you make this one!
Ingredients for Taco Meat and Rice:
Onion
1/2 of a yellow onion. White onion or red onion also works here. Diced small so it melts into the meat.
Garlic
4 fresh garlic cloves. Finely mince the garlic. Use fresh garlic if possible; it just tastes better than the stuff in a jar.
Ground Meat
1 pound of ground meat. You can use a pound of ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based. They all work here!
Taco Seasoning
1 packet of taco seasoning, or use homemade taco seasoning. My homemade recipe is really easy, but a store-bought packet is a great shortcut.
Rice
1 cup of long grain rice. I usually use jasmine rice, but regular old Uncle Bens white rice is great too. Do not use brown rice. The cooking time is much longer, and I have not tested it in this recipe. I think quick-cooking rice would also work here, but I have not tried it.
Chicken Broth
1 14.5 oz can of chicken broth. I like Swanson’s brand, but any brand you like will work. You could also try using beef broth as well.
For Serving
- Flour tortillas- Use large ones for burritos, wraps, or quesadillas. Use small ones for tacos.
- Lettuce cups- Use iceberg lettuce or baby gems.
- Tortilla chips- Classic tortilla chips are always a favorite. Consider trying the scoopable chips, like Tostitos brand or Trader Joe’s corn chips.
Taco Fixings or Toppings
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Green onion
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Sour Cream
- Salsa, pico de gallo, or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1- Start with the aromatics
Set a large skillet or wide pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Once it’s warm, toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent. This step builds the base flavor for the entire dish, so give the onions 3-5 minutes to really mellow out.
STEP 2- Add the garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just long enough to become fragrant. You only need about 30 seconds here- garlic burns quickly, and you just want that fresh savory smell.
STEP 3- Brown the meat
Add your ground meat to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon or meat masher like this. Let it cook for a few minutes until it’s mostly browned but not fully cooked through yet. It will finish cooking once the rest of the ingredients go in.
STEP 4- Season and add the rice
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well so the meat is evenly coated. Add the uncooked rice directly to the pan and give everything a good mix. This lets the rice pick up all that savory flavor right from the start.
STEP 5- Pour in the broth and simmer
Add the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pan and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the rice is tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is where the magic happens; everything cooks together in one pot.
STEP 6- Fluff and get ready to serve
Remove the lid, give the taco meat and rice a good stir, and fluff it up. The mixture should be tender, saucy, and packed with flavor. To make it more of a cheesy taco rice, top with grated cheese and cover until the cheese melts, and you are left with a layer of melty cheese, and now it feels more like a Mexican casserole!
STEP 7- Build your tacos, bowls, or cups
Serve the taco meat and rice however you like! Spoon it into tortillas, pile it into bowls, scoop it with chips, or tuck it into crisp lettuce cups. Finish with grated cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or any favorite taco toppings.
This easy recipe is about to be your new go-to for busy weeknights and especially for Taco Tuesday. Made with simple ingredients and big flavors, it’s the kind of dinner the whole family actually looks forward to with no complaints! Serve pinto beans or black beans on the side, pile on your favorite toppings, and call it a stress-free win for dinner tonight!
More Recipes To Try!
Easy Black Bean & Rice Enchiladas
One Pot Taco Meat and Rice
This One Pot Taco Meat and Rice is an easy, weeknight-friendly dinner made with simple ingredients and big taco flavor. Everything cooks together in one pan for a saucy filling that’s perfect for warm tortillas, burrito bowls, or crunchy lettuce cups. Finish it off with your favorite taco fixings, and dinner is ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pound Ground Meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning, or use homemade
- 1 cup long-grain rice (not brown rice)
- 1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
For Serving
- Flour tortillas- Use large ones for burritos, wraps, or quesadillas. Use small ones for tacos.
- Lettuce cups- Use iceberg lettuce or baby gems.
- Tortilla chips- Classic tortilla chips are always a favorite. Consider trying scoopable chips, such as Tostitos or Trader Joe's corn chips.
Taco Fixings or Toppings
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Green onion
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Sour Cream
- Salsa, pico de gallo, or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until soft. Stirring occasionally until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds or so.
- Add ground meat and break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or meat masher. Cook the meat for 5 minutes. It won’t be cooked all the way through, but it will continue to cook as you add the rest of the ingredients.
- Add taco seasoning, 1 cup of rice, and 1 can of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and then cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Stir and serve. This mixture is great served with corn chips, stuffed into warm tortillas, used for burrito bowls, or added to small lettuce cups. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater With Container, 100% BPA-Free Stainless Steel Box Graters, Parmesan Shredder, Grate Cheeses, Shred Veggies, Slip Resistant Handle, Dishwasher Safe Zester, Black -
Chef Craft Select Maple Solid Spoon Set, 10, 12, 14 inch 3 Piece Set, Natural -
Meat Chopper, Hamburger Grinder, Premium Heat Resistant Smasher for Ground Beef, Burger Grinder Nylon Potato Mix Tool, Meat & Poultry Tenderizers-Black -
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 4.5-Quart Deep Sauté Pan with Tempered Glass Lid, Stay-Cool Handle, Dishwasher-Friendly, Oven-Safe Up to 900°F, Induction Ready, Compatible with All Cooktops
Leave a Reply