Nothing beats the cozy comfort of melting cheese mingling with savory beef and fluffy rice in one pan. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s flavorful, fast, and just downright satisfying for any night of the week.

A close-up of a black pan filled with a creamy mixture of orange-yellow melted cheese, white rice, and brown ground meat with small pieces of red. A wooden spoon lifts a portion in the middle showing stretch strands of melted cheese dripping down. The pan sits on a fabric cloth, with a white marbled surface beneath and a round grey plate at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This skillet recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and packs layers of cheesy, spicy, and hearty flavors. I love how it feels like a full meal but only requires one pan, making cleanup way easier after a busy day.

Simple One-Pan Prep: Everything cooks in one skillet, so you save time both cooking and cleaning up.
Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect when you want homemade without the wait.
Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of queso, browned beef, and seasoned rice feels indulgent but approachable.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the heat level, cheese choices, or add veggies to make it your own.

Inside a black pan, there is a creamy, thick dish made of rice mixed with small chunks of browned meat and bits of red pepper scattered throughout. The rice is coated in a yellow-orange sauce that looks rich and smooth, with some pieces of melted cheese visible at the bottom edge, blending into the other ingredients. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth and a wooden spatula nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe plays a part in building that rich, comforting flavor. Plus, it’s all simple stuff you can find at your local grocery store anytime—it’s really accessible, which I love for quick dinners.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of diced yellow onions, a small white bowl containing minced garlic, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of uncooked white minute rice, a small white bowl with bright red diced tomatoes and green chilies, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of light brown onion powder, a small white bowl of creamy orange salsa con queso, and a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with shredded nacho cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the dish hearty without being greasy, so the queso really shines.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that softens and melds with the beef.
Minced Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic depth without overpowering.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the rice instead of plain water, making every bite well-seasoned.
Minute Rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all those tasty liquids perfectly.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Gives the recipe a subtle kick and a fresh tomato burst.
Salt, Pepper & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that tie all the ingredients together.
Salsa Con Queso: Creamy and cheesy with a bit of spice, it creates the signature rich sauce.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Melts in beautifully for cheesy gooeyness that everyone loves.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often change this recipe up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment—you’ll find your own favorite version in no time!

Variation: I sometimes swap out the nacho cheese for a Mexican cheese blend for a subtle flavor twist, which my family loves.
Spice it Up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or toss in some diced jalapeños when you want more heat.
Veggie Boost: Throw in chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrients.
Diet-Friendly: For a lighter take, I’ve used ground turkey instead of beef and reduced the cheese slightly—still delicious!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften Onions

Start by dropping your lean ground beef into a large skillet heating over medium-high. Add the diced onions right away so they start softening alongside the beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks—once it’s fully browned and the onions turn translucent, you’ll know it’s time for the next step. This ensures those rich flavors develop early on.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids

Stir in the minced garlic and keep cooking for about two minutes until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so watch closely and stir frequently. Then, pour in the chicken broth followed by the minute rice, giving everything a gentle stir to fully submerge the rice. This liquid base is where the rice soaks up all the savory goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Covered

Crank the heat until the liquid boils, then cover the skillet and reduce to low heat. Let it simmer gently for five minutes—this is where patience pays off. Cooking with the lid on traps steam and cooks the rice perfectly fluffy. Don’t peek too soon or you’ll interrupt the cooking process!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Seasonings, and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and give the mixture a good stir. Toss in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir again and turn the heat to medium. Keep cooking uncovered until the skillet is nearly dry from liquid. This step concentrates flavor and prepares the dish for that creamy, cheesy finale.

Step 5: Stir in the Queso and Cheese

Lower the heat and add the salsa con queso, stirring it through to combine that silky, spicy creaminess. Finally, sprinkle the shredded nacho cheese and gently fold it in just until melted. This is the magic moment—the cheese melts into the beef and rice, binding everything perfectly.

Serve immediately, with plenty of your favorite garnishes (which I’ll get to next!).

Top Tip

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help the dish shine. They’re simple but can make a noticeable difference especially when you’re rushing through weeknight cooking.

Don’t Skip Browning: Properly browning the beef and onions first is key—skip this and the flavors fall flat.
Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes the flavor pop better than jarred garlic powder.
Cover While Cooking: Keeping the skillet covered during rice cooking traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Stir Gently at the End: When adding shredded cheese, fold it in slowly to prevent clumping and keep the texture creamy.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my skillet with fresh cilantro for a bright burst and a dollop of sour cream to cool off the mild heat. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime juice—it really lifts the whole dish. These simple garnishes add freshness and a bit of texture that balances the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Cornbread or warm tortillas are also fantastic for soaking up the cheesy sauce. These sides keep things balanced and complement the hearty skillet perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party or special occasion, I’ve spooned this skillet into individual ramekins then broiled the tops for a bubbly, crispy cheese crust. It adds a touch of elegance and makes serving easy. Pair with colorful garnishes like diced avocado or diced red peppers for a festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors often deepen overnight, which I actually like! Just give it a good stir when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to batch-cook. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it defrosts overnight in the fridge. Cheese can sometimes change texture a bit after freezing, so I like to add a little extra shredded cheese when reheating for that fresh melty feel.

Reheating

I reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to avoid sticking and ensure even warming. You can add a splash of broth or water if the mixture looks dry. Microwaving works too, but the skillet method keeps the texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of minute rice?

Absolutely! If using regular long-grain rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 18-20 minutes and add a bit more broth to ensure the rice cooks through. Keep it covered and check occasionally to avoid burning.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat thanks to the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa con queso. If you prefer less spice, use mild versions or reduce the amount of these ingredients. You can also add more heat if you like things spicier by including jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan option, swap out cheese and queso for dairy-free alternatives that melt well. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding beans or veggies for protein and texture.

What’s the best cheese to use for this skillet?

I recommend shredded nacho cheese because it melts beautifully and has great flavor. You can also mix in Mexican cheese blends like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco depending on your preference. Just choose melty cheeses for the best gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe feels like the kind of food your family will ask for again and again—and it’s easy to see why. It’s comforting, quick, and deliciously cheesy with just the right kick. I’m excited for you to try it because it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve truly “done dinner” without stress. So go ahead, cook it up, and enjoy every melty, savory bite like you’re sharing it with a friend.