Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice
If comfort food had a crown, this dish would be wearing it. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef and tender rice, this Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is everything you want on a busy weeknight. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer—it’s quick, satisfying, and downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding hungry friends, or sneaking a solo bowl for yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Recipe Origin
Inspired by the Tex-Mex classics we all love, this dish blends the rich creaminess of queso with hearty ground beef, tender onions, and fluffy rice. It’s like taking all your favorite flavors from tacos, nachos, and cheesy dips and combining them into one cozy, skillet-friendly meal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan (for cooking rice if not using instant method)
Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and layers of melted cheese and queso for a creamy, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups minute rice
- 10.5 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup salsa con queso
- 2 cups shredded nacho cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in chicken broth, minute rice, Rotel tomatoes, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in salsa con queso, and sprinkle shredded nacho cheese evenly on top.
- Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Use any cheese blend you prefer for different cheesy flavors.
- Minute rice can be substituted with regular rice, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cheesy beef and rice, queso beef skillet, easy dinner recipes, one-pan meals, quick weeknight dinner
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice
- Quick & Easy: One skillet, minimal prep, and a dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Comforting & Filling: Creamy cheese, hearty beef, and tender rice all in one dish.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves melty cheese!
- Customizable: Spice it up with extra chilies, swap meats, or add veggies like bell peppers or corn.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Drain the beef: Even lean ground beef can release excess moisture. Draining helps the dish stay creamy without getting watery.
- Cheese timing: Stir in the shredded nacho cheese at the end to keep it melty and gooey.
- Rice options: Minute rice works for speed, but you can use regular white rice—just adjust the cooking liquid and time.
Ingredients in Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card above.)
Ground Beef: The star protein—sautéed until browned and savory.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked until soft.
Garlic: A small amount packs a big punch of aromatic goodness.
Chicken Broth: Provides liquid to cook the rice and infuses it with flavor.
Minute Rice: The base of this dish—quick, easy, and perfectly tender.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds a touch of tang and subtle heat that balances the richness.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder): Simple pantry staples that bring all the flavors together.
Salsa Con Queso: The creamy, cheesy magic that makes this dish irresistible.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Extra melty cheese to top it all off, making each bite gooey and decadent.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Incorporate Liquids and Rice: Pour in chicken broth, Rotel diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, onion powder, and minute rice. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is fully coated and submerged in liquid.
Simmer: Cover and cook for the time recommended on your rice package (usually 5–7 minutes for minute rice).
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in salsa con queso until fully incorporated. Then sprinkle shredded nacho cheese on top, letting the residual heat melt it into a gooey layer.
Finishing Touches: Give it a gentle stir to combine everything into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Nutrition Facts (approximate)
Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: ~450 (varies depending on cheese and meat used)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice
- With Fresh Greens: A crisp salad balances the richness of the cheese.
- With Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips for scooping add fun texture.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or sautéed peppers for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeño slices for extra flavor and color.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
- This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the rice texture may change.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Fold in corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Cheese Variations: Use pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend for new flavor profiles.
Additional Tips
- Taste before serving: Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Layer flavors: Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin for depth.
- Use quality queso: A good salsa con queso makes a huge difference in creaminess and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
Q2: Can I use long-grain rice instead of minute rice?
A2: Absolutely. Just increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Q3: How do I make it spicier?
A3: Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q4: Can I use leftover cooked rice?
A4: Yes, reduce the liquid slightly and stir it in toward the end to warm through.
Q5: Is this freezer-friendly?
A5: Not recommended—the cheese and rice may separate after freezing.
Q6: Can I use homemade queso instead of store-bought salsa con queso?
A6: Definitely! Homemade queso will make it even more flavorful.
Q7: Can I make this ahead of time?
A7: Yes, cook through step 4 (before adding the final cheeses), cover, refrigerate, and finish with cheese before serving.
Q8: What toppings work best?
A8: Chopped cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, or extra shredded cheese.
Q9: Can I make it lower carb?
A9: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular or minute rice for a low-carb version.
Q10: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A10: Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or casserole dish and adjust cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is a fast, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a solo indulgent treat. The best part? Minimal effort for maximum satisfaction. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and make a cheesy masterpiece your whole family (or just you!) will love.
