Taco Rice is a quick and easy side dish that’s full of savory flavor. It’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and comes together in one pan. Serve as a filling for homemade burritos, as a side dish with enchiladas, toss into taco salads, or as a flavorful base for a Tex-Mex-style bowl.
5-Ingredient Taco Rice Recipe
I like this rice recipe for its simple flavor and ease of preparation. The ingredients list is also short; all that’s needed are a handful of budget-friendly items that you likely already have on hand. The rice gets a big boost from taco seasoning, while the onion provides a savory foundation.
As a home cook, I appreciate recipes that utilize pantry staples effectively, and this is the kind of dish that’s easy to fit into a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Taco Rice
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vegetable Oil – Used to sauté the onion and start the base of the dish.
- White Onion – Chopped to add a light sweetness and depth as it cooks.
- Long Grain White Rice – Uncooked rice that simmers with the seasoning and absorbs all the flavor as it cooks.
- Taco seasoning – A bold blend of spices that gives the rice its classic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Fresh cilantro – Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor at the end.
How to Make Taco Rice
STEP ONE: Sauté the onion. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Saute for 1 minute to soften.
STEP TWO: Add the rice and seasoning. Add rice and taco seasoning, stirring to coat. Continue cooking for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
STEP THREE: Cook the rice. Pour 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not remove the lid and do not stir the rice as it simmers.
STEP FOUR: Let the rice stand. Keeping the lid on, remove from heat and let the rice stand for 10 minutes. Do not skip this step. Letting the rice rest allows it additional time to absorb the steam and firm up a bit. When the 10 minutes is up, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
STEP FIVE: Garnish and serve. Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Optional Add-Ins
This recipe stands on its own, but it also makes a great base for a build-your-own bowl. Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Beans: Black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained, add bulk as well as a protein boost.
- Veggies: Corn, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers add pops of color and texture.
- Avocado: Fresh slices fanned out on the side of the bowl make a pretty and tasty garnish.
- Salsa: An easy way to add heat.
- Vegan Meat: Pre-cooked plant-based chorizo, ground beef, or chicken will satisfy a meaty craving.
- Cheese: Regular or dairy-free pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey jack cheeses complement the taco flavor.
- Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds citrusy flair.
More Tex-Mex Recipes You’ll Love!
- Yellow Rice
- Mexican Rice and Black Beans
- Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Anaheim Stuffed Peppers
- Mexican Chopped Salad
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Taco Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup white onion chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Saute for 1 minute to soften.
- Add rice and taco seasoning, stirring to coat. Continue cooking for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not remove the lid and do not stir the rice as it simmers.
- Keeping the lid on, remove from heat and let the rice stand for 10 minutes. Do not skip this step! Letting the rice rest allows it additional time to absorb the steam and firm up a bit. When the 10 minutes is up, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Jody
Did you rinse the rice first?
thiswifecooks
Hi Jody ~ No, rinsing is generally not necessary when toasting rice because we’re deliberately trying to achieve a toasted, slightly crisper texture. I hope that’s helpful.😊