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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice recipe combining tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and creamy melted cheese for an easy one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Liquids and Grains
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups minute rice
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 10.5 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup salsa con queso
- 2 cups shredded nacho cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Drop the lean ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions to the skillet and stir well. Continue cooking and crumbling the ground beef until it is fully browned.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic, stir well, and continue cooking for about 2 minutes to release its aroma.
- Add Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice to the skillet. Gently stir until all of the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Rice Covered: Bring the liquid to a boil, place a lid on the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Leave the rice to cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir and Add Seasonings: After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir well. Add the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the skillet.
- Simmer Until Liquid Evaporates: Stir well and increase the heat to medium. Continue cooking until no liquid remains at the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Queso and Cheese: Add the salsa con queso to the skillet and stir well. Then add the shredded nacho cheese and stir just until it's melted.
- Serve: Scoop the mixture onto plates, serve warm, and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthy.
- Minute rice cooks quickly but can be substituted with regular rice if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Salsa con queso adds creaminess and authentic flavor but can be substituted with a cheese sauce or queso dip if unavailable.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add a slight kick; adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Cover the skillet properly while cooking rice to ensure even steaming.
- Stirring after cooking rice helps prevent clumping and ensures flavors are well incorporated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg

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