The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of the 3′ untranslated region of TAS1R1 and growth traits, carcass traits, and meat quality traits in rabbit. We detected one single nucleotide polymorphism located at 9120 bp (g.9120A>C) in the 3′ untranslated region of TAS1R1 gene by using polymerase chain reaction sequencing. The novel mutation g.9120A>C was subsequently genotyped by MassArray system (Sequenom iPLEX assay) in 249 samples of three breeds (Hyla, 91 animals; Champagne, 84 animals; Tianfu Black, 74 animals). Association analysis suggested that the individuals with AC genotype showed greater body weight at 70 d of age (P < 0.01), body weight at 84 d of age (P < 0.05), and average daily weight gain from 28 to 84 d of age (P < 0.05) than AA. In addition, the individuals with AC genotype had a lower eviscerated slaughter percentage (P < 0.05) and semieviscerated slaughter percentage (P < 0.05). However, association of the genotypes with other production traits was not observed. The results indicate TAS1R1 is one of the candidate genes affecting growth performance and dressing percentage in rabbits, and this may be of potential use in marker-assisted selection for meat quality traits in rabbits.