On nights when work runs long and everyone is hungry right now, this slow cooker taco beef and rice is exactly the kind of dinner that saves the day. It leans on a packet of dry taco seasoning for big flavor with almost no effort, and the whole idea is wonderfully practical: a handful of pantry and freezer-friendly ingredients turn into a warm, cheesy, taco-inspired supper with barely any hands-on time. It is the kind of budget-friendly, family-pleasing meal that fits right into a busy weeknight routine.
Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad, tortilla chips, or a scoop of sour cream and salsa on top. It also pairs well with sliced avocado, extra shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a side of black beans if you want to stretch it a little further. For a fun taco night feel, set out toppings and let everyone build their own bowl just the way they like it.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Taco Beef and Rice
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 packet (1 ounce) dry taco seasoning mix
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Add the raw ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker insert and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top.
2. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles over the beef, cover, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, breaking up the meat with a spoon about halfway through so it cooks into crumbles.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, cover again, and continue cooking on low for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of water before covering.
4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover for a few minutes just until melted, then serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add beans: Stir in a drained can of black beans or pinto beans along with the tomatoes if you want to make the meal even heartier and stretch it for leftovers.
Make it milder: If your family does not love heat, use plain diced tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes with green chiles and choose a mild taco seasoning packet.
Watch the rice: Different slow cookers run a little differently, so start checking the rice early. Once it is tender, switch the cooker to warm so it does not over-soften.
Try a topping bar: This recipe gets even more fun with toppings like green onions, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, jalapenos, or a spoonful of salsa set out on the table.
Use it for meal prep: Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day. Add a splash of water before microwaving to loosen the rice and keep the texture nice.