Rice Taco Toss

Mexican Rice Taco Toss Recipe with Chili, Kidney Beans, and Avocado

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Taco Toss is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of chili, rice, beans, and fresh vegetables. Topped with cheese, corn chips, and avocado, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Rice Taco Toss are not clear, but it is likely a variation of traditional taco salad recipes. This dish has become popular for its ease of preparation and versatility in terms of ingredients.

Ingredients

1 can (19 oz / 539 g) chili without beans
1 can (16 oz / 454 g) kidney beans
2 cups cooked rice
1 large head of lettuce, shredded
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup french dressing
1 cup grated cheese (monterey jack or cheddar, 4 oz / 113 g)
1 package (6 oz / 170 g) corn chips
1 to 2 avocados
taco sauce or salsa picante (optional)

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine chili, beans, and rice.
Heat the mixture.
In another bowl, toss together lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and French dressing.
To serve, arrange the lettuce mixture on plates.
Top with the chili-rice mixture.
Sprinkle with cheese and corn chips.
Garnish with avocado wedges.
If desired, serve with taco sauce or salsa picante.

Variations

Swap out the chili for ground beef or turkey for a meatier version.
Add black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure it is fluffy and not mushy.

- You can use canned chili for convenience, but feel free to use homemade chili if you prefer.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding jalapenos for extra heat or black olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Taco Toss with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess, or pair it with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Rice Taco Toss is to layer the ingredients in a visually appealing way, starting with the lettuce mixture as the base and topping it with the chili-rice mixture, cheese, and corn chips.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients, such as using different types of beans, adding bell peppers for extra crunch, or using a different type of dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chili-rice mixture and the lettuce mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Assemble the dish just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

For a festive presentation, serve Rice Taco Toss in individual taco bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rice Taco Toss with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer or a fruity margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through or enjoy cold as a taco salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Taco Toss contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Taco Toss contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

With around 15 grams of fat per serving, Rice Taco Toss provides a moderate amount of healthy fats from sources like avocado and cheese.

Proteins

This dish offers about 12 grams of protein per serving, which is important for muscle repair and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Taco Toss is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and lettuce, as well as potassium from the beans and avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese and may contain gluten if the chili or corn chips are not labeled gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, Rice Taco Toss is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Taco Toss is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered the recipe for Rice Taco Toss. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As she pulled out the ingredients for our meal, I noticed that she had a few extra items that I didn't recognize.

"What are those, Abuela?" I asked, pointing to the small bags of rice and taco seasoning.

"Oh, these are for a special dish I learned to make from a friend," she explained with a smile. "It's called Rice Taco Toss, and I think you're going to love it."

As we worked together to cook the rice and brown the ground beef, my grandmother shared the story of how she had come across this recipe. It turns out that she had met a woman from California who had traveled to Mexico and shared her love of American and Mexican fusion cuisine. The woman had shown my grandmother how to make Rice Taco Toss, a dish that combined the flavors of traditional Mexican tacos with the heartiness of rice.

As we sat down to eat our meal that night, I was blown away by the delicious combination of flavors in the Rice Taco Toss. The savory beef mixed with the spices of the taco seasoning, all combined with the fluffy rice, created a dish that was both comforting and exciting. From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have continued to make Rice Taco Toss for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own touches and making it my own. But the basic elements of the dish – the rice, the taco seasoning, the ground beef – have remained the same, a testament to the original recipe that my grandmother shared with me so many years ago.

One of my favorite memories involving Rice Taco Toss was when I made it for a neighborhood potluck. I remember the looks of surprise and delight on my neighbors' faces as they took their first bites of the dish. Many of them had never tried anything like it before, and they couldn't get enough of the unique combination of flavors.

Since that day, Rice Taco Toss has become a requested dish at every potluck and family gathering. I have even shared the recipe with some of my friends, who have made it for their own families with great success. It brings me joy to know that this recipe, which was passed down to me from my grandmother, has now been shared and enjoyed by so many others.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of learning to make Rice Taco Toss and the joy it has brought to me and those around me, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Cooking is not just about nourishing our bodies; it is also about nourishing our souls and creating connections with those we love. And for me, Rice Taco Toss will always be a reminder of the love and creativity that can be found in the kitchen.