Taco Rice

Taco Rice is one of those easy recipes that makes dinner feel like a celebration. With tender rice, green chiles, and a buttery base, this dish brings big flavor with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a cozy side for taco night or a satisfying base for a burrito bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Taco Rice recipe is simple, flavorful, and goes with just about everything. You can serve it with taco meat, grilled chicken, or spoon it right into your favorite taco salads.

It’s an easy, one-pot side dish that tastes like a mix between a rice skillet and a cheesy burrito bowl. It’s comforting, fast, and happens to be a huge hit with my husband and kiddos!

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the rice for a nutty flavor.
• Long-grain rice: Cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for soaking up all the taco-inspired seasoning.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth; you can also use chicken stock or beef broth.
• Southwest-style corn: Adds color, texture, and a subtle sweetness from poblano and red peppers.
• Green chiles: Mild heat and extra flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper: Classic taco seasonings that build warm, balanced flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: Hit it with that cilantro confetti! Fresh cilantro brightens the whole dish with a fresh finish. Disregard if you’re one of those strange folks who thinks cilantro tastes like soap! Haha!

How to Make Taco Rice

Step one: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step two: Add the rice and cook for about two minutes, stirring often until slightly golden and fragrant.

Step three: Stir in the chicken broth, corn, green chiles, and all the seasonings (through black pepper). Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step four: Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step five: Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for five minutes.

Step six: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

You can find the complete ingredient list and printable instructions in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add protein: After the dish is completely done, stir in cooked ground turkey, beef, or chicken for a full taco rice bowl.
• Cheesy twist: Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack while the rice is hot for melty cheese flavor.
• Rice swap: Use brown rice and increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Just check for doneness to make sure it cooks-up correctly.
• Heat level: Use hot green chiles or add a dash of cayenne if you like it spicy.

Crissy’s Taco Rice Tips

• Toast the rice: Cooking the rice in butter first adds a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Tight-fitting lid: Keeps steam trapped for fluffy, evenly cooked grains.
• Rest before serving: Let the rice sit off the heat for five minutes to finish absorbing liquid.
• Use homemade seasoning: Fresh spices make all the difference—skip the packet and use your own blend.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it soft and flavorful.

How to Serve Taco Rice

Serve Taco Rice as a side dish for tacos or burritos, or turn it into a meal by topping it with taco meat, cheese, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips. It’s also delicious under grilled chicken or spooned into a burrito bowl with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Storage Instructions

You want to be very careful leaving rice dishes at room temperature for too long, as it is prone to bacterial growth. Personally, I don’t ever leave rice to sit out more than one hour.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm over medium-low heat until fluffy again.

Freezer: Freeze in a food-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop with a little olive oil or broth.

Questions and Answers

Can I make Taco Rice with brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes and possibly add more broth as needed. I haven’t tested this myself. If you want to play it totally safe, I’d stick with the ingredients in the recipe as written.

What can I serve with Taco Rice?

Taco Rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, taco meat, or any of your favorite sides for tacos like beans, salads, or roasted veggies.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely. It keeps the dish vegetarian while still adding flavor.

How can I make it extra cheesy?

Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese right before serving for the ultimate cheesy taco rice.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

• Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe
• Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup
• Baked Tortilla Strips
• Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans