Mickey’s Okinawa Taco Rice and Cheese (TRC)

I’ll never forget my first taste of Taco Rice and Cheese. It wasn’t in Okinawa, but at a potluck held by a group of US military families stationed in Misawa, Japan. A friend’s mom brought a massive casserole dish filled with something that looked like a cross between nachos and a rice bowl. The savory aroma of seasoned beef mingled with the comforting scent of melted cheese, and one bite was enough to hook me for life. It was pure comfort food, and it reminded me of home, even when I was thousands of miles away.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 2 lbs 80% lean ground beef (80/20, the cheap kind in the tube is best)
• 1 1/2 ounces McCormick Mild Taco Seasoning
• 1/4 cup Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Accent Seasoning (Mickey’s secret ingredient. It will not taste the same without it)
• 2 cups white rice (uncooked)
• 5 1/2 cups water
• 1 lb shredded mild cheddar cheese (large shreds, find the one that looks like government cheese)

Equipment Needed

• Rice cooker
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Large casserole pan

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the white rice. Place the 2 cups of uncooked white rice and 4 cups of water in your rice cooker. Add 1 teaspoon of Accent seasoning, stir gently, and start the cooking process.
2. While the rice is cooking, prepare the ground beef. In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the 2 lbs of ground beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off most, but not all, of the grease. Leaving a little bit of the grease adds flavor and moisture to the final dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 ounces of McCormick Mild Taco Seasoning and 1/4 cup of Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of Accent seasoning to the bowl. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are fully dissolved.
5. Pour the taco seasoning mixture over the browned ground beef in the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large casserole pan. Spread the steamed rice evenly across the bottom of the pan.
7. Carefully spread the taco meat mixture over the layer of rice. Ensure that the meat is distributed evenly.
8. Top the taco meat with the 1 lb of shredded mild cheddar cheese. Use plenty of cheese for a gooey, satisfying finish.
9. Serve immediately on a paper plate with a plastic spoon for the full, authentic experience. Top with your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Using the cheap ground beef in the tube might sound odd, but it renders a specific texture and slightly greasier flavor that really makes this dish. High-quality lean ground beef just doesn’t taste the same.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheddar cheese. A sharp cheddar will give the dish a bolder flavor, while a Monterey Jack will offer a milder, creamier taste.
• If you don’t have Accent seasoning, you can try using MSG as a substitute, but be careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a diced onion and a minced clove of garlic to the ground beef while browning.
• If you want to add a bit of heat, try mixing some chopped jalapenos into the taco meat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Mickey’s Okinawa Taco Rice and Cheese immediately for the best flavor and texture. The melted cheese is at its peak when served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, but be careful not to overcook it, as the rice can dry out.

While not ideal, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture of the rice and cheese may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	700.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	376 g	54%
Total Fat	41.8 g	64%
Saturated Fat	20.7 g	103%
Cholesterol	140.2 mg	46%
Sodium	972.6 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	42.2 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	10%
Sugars	1.5 g	6%
Protein	36.8 g	73%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy TRC: Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the taco meat for a spicy kick.
• Chicken TRC: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian TRC: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. Sauté with the taco seasoning as directed. You can also add some black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.
• Healthier TRC: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a boost of fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat variety.
• Deluxe TRC: Add toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and black olives for a more elaborate meal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is Accent seasoning and why is it so important?

A: Accent seasoning is a brand of MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer that adds a savory, umami taste to food. In this recipe, it’s considered a “secret ingredient” that significantly contributes to the dish’s unique flavor profile.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch?

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice to save time. Just make sure to use the equivalent of 2 cups of uncooked rice, which is about 6 cups of cooked rice.

Q: Can I bake this casserole in the oven?

A: While the recipe doesn’t specifically call for baking, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will help melt the cheese more evenly and meld the flavors together.

Q: What kind of hot sauce is best to serve with this dish?

A: The best hot sauce is a matter of personal preference. However, a vinegar-based hot sauce or a mild-to-medium heat chili sauce typically complements the flavors of the taco meat and cheese.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the taco meat and cook the rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the casserole just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Mickey’s Okinawa Taco Rice and Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of comfort, a culinary hug in a bowl. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the simple pleasure of this dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and toppings to make it your own. And be sure to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your TRC adventures! Consider pairing this dish with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light Mexican beer for a complete and satisfying meal.