Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 cup salsa con queso; 2 cups shredded nacho cheese

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan dinner that’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe hits all the right notes, bringing together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese in a way that’s both easy and irresistible.

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

I can’t tell you how many times this skillet recipe has been my go-to when I want something hearty but fuss-free. It’s one of those meals where everything cooks together in one pan, and the cheese just ties it all up into a warm, comforting dinner that feels like a hug.

Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the wait.
All-in-One Skillet: No extra pots or pans—less cleanup, more time to relax after eating.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The combo of salsa con queso and shredded nacho cheese makes it irresistibly rich and flavorful.
Adaptable Ingredients: You can tweak the spices or add veggies for your own twist, making it endlessly customizable.

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

This recipe balances straightforward, every-day ingredients that work harmoniously. The ground beef brings hearty depth, chicken broth flavors the rice as it cooks, and Rotel adds a zesty kick. The cheeses introduce that luscious, creamy texture I’m obsessed with.

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: I love using lean beef to keep things rich but not greasy—plus, it browns beautifully in the skillet.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; sauté it just right for the best flavor.
Minced Garlic: A little punch of aroma that wakes up the whole dish without overpowering.
Chicken Broth: Cooks the rice with extra flavor, way better than plain water for this recipe.
Minute Rice: I pick minute rice here for speed and ease as it cooks quickly and absorbs all those flavors.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: This gives both the tanginess and mild heat that elevates the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: The basics that bring out all the other ingredients—and you can always adjust to taste.
Onion Powder: Doubles down on that savory onion flavor and adds a sprinkle of spice.
Salsa con Queso: This creamy Tex-Mex cheese sauce is the secret weapon for ultra-rich cheesiness.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Melts perfectly in the pan; I usually grab a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that classic nacho flavor.

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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’m all about making recipes your own, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is no exception. Sometimes I add bell peppers or corn for a bit more color and crunch. Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

Variation: Once, I stirred in black beans and a dash of cumin for a southwest twist—totally delicious and added some extra protein and fiber.
Dairy-Free Option: I've successfully substituted vegan cheese and dairy-free queso sauce to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Spice Level: If you like it hotter, adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce really kicks up the flavor perfectly.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the lean ground beef and diced yellow onions. I like to break the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it browns evenly. Once the beef is cooked through and nicely browned, you’ll notice the onions soften and caramelize a little—that’s exactly what you want. This builds that deep flavor base.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids to the Pan

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice. Stir gently to make sure the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid. This is the important part because the rice soaks up all that flavorful broth as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Add Seasonings

Bring everything to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes. When you remove the lid, stir in the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Turn the heat back up to medium and cook until all liquid is gone—this usually takes another few minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheesy Goodness

Now for the best part—add the salsa con queso and stir it around. Sprinkle in the shredded nacho cheese and stir just until melted and gooey. This step is magical because it binds everything together into that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this recipe so memorable.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop it onto plates or bowls and dig in while it’s warm and melty. I like to pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness, but it honestly stands on its own.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe time and time again, these tips really helped me get consistent results—and I hope they help you, too!

Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking your time with the ground beef and onions lets flavors deepen and avoids any sogginess later on.
Stir Carefully: When adding rice and broth, stir gently so the rice doesn't clump or stick to the pan’s bottom.
Cheese Timing: Add the shredded cheese off the heat or on very low, so it melts smoothly without getting grainy or oily.
Cover While Cooking: Keeping the lid on during simmering traps steam that cooks the rice perfectly every time.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

cheesy ground beef and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this skillet dish with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced green onions. These bright freshest cuts really balance the rich, cheesy base and give each bite a little zing.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crunchy lettuce salad with lime vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans make great companions. If I'm feeling indulgent, I sometimes serve it with warm tortillas to scoop up every last cheesy spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I baked the whole skillet with extra cheese on top to get a crispy golden crust—it was a hit at a casual dinner party. You can also portion it into small oven-safe bowls and top each with avocado slices and fresh lime wedges for a more festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay tasty for about 3-4 days. The cheese gets a little firmer after chilling, but a quick reheat brings back that creamy magic.

Freezing

Although I usually eat this right away, freezing works if you want to prep in advance. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through keeps the cheese from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular white rice instead of minute rice?

Yes! You can use regular white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth accordingly. Make sure to simmer until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.

What can I substitute for salsa con queso?

If you don’t have salsa con queso on hand, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of salsa or shredded cheese sauce. Alternatively, a good-quality jarred queso dip or even a blend of cream cheese and Mexican spices works well.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use a dairy-free cheese or skip it if you prefer. The Rotel and spices still deliver plenty of flavor.

Can this recipe be doubled for meal prep?

Yes, doubling this recipe works perfectly in a larger skillet or a deep pan. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may take a bit longer for the rice to cook evenly. It’s excellent for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe has become a comforting staple in my kitchen that never fails to deliver. It’s quick, filling, and all about those gooey cheesy bites that bring a smile every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s the kind of dinner that feels like coming home after a long day.