OK, I know this seems like a lot. But it's actually really simple! You're just prepping a lot of ingredients for people to assemble themselves :)

1- Make the Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the rice. Put the rice, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

2- Make the Seasoned Ground Beef

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon tallow
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the onion. While the rice is cooking, heat the tallow (or your favorite cooking fat) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
2. Brown the beef. Add the ground beef, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown for about 15 minutes.

3- Prep the Toppings

Ingredient Options

• 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Tortilla chips, slightly crushed
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Cheese sauce (optional - see recipe below)

Instructions

1. Chop everything. While the rice and beef are cooking, dice the tomatoes, chop the peppers and onion, and shred the lettuce.

4- Make the Cheese Sauce (Optional)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• About 8 oz cheddar cheese, cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Melt the cheese. Put the milk, butter, and cheese chunks in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until smooth and melted.

5- Build Your Haystacks

1. Stack it up. Everyone builds their own haystack on their plate. Start with rice at the bottom, then add seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cheese, chips, sour cream, salsa, and drizzle cheese sauce over the top if you're using it.

Notes

• Make it your own. This is a build-your-own-meal, so put out whatever toppings you like. Some people add olives, jalapeños, avocado, or beans.
• The cheese sauce makes it. Riley always wants the cheese sauce drizzled over the top. It's optional, but it's really good.
• Crushed chips are key. Don't skip the chips - they add the crunch that makes this different from regular tacos.
• Perfect for picky eaters. Everyone can pile on what they like and skip what they don't. Great for families with different tastes.