Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
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 something so comforting about a warm skillet packed with savory flavors and melty cheese that just hits the spot every time. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly that—it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without a fuss.

A close-up of a black pan filled with a creamy, cheesy rice dish that has visible bits of browned meat and small red pieces mixed evenly. The rice is yellow-orange in color, melted cheese strings stretch from the scoop lifted by a wooden spoon, showing the thick and cheesy texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture with a part of a white plate at the bottom right corner and a gray cloth beneath the pan. 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 first made this skillet dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something quick, cheesy, and full of flavor—and it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. What makes this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe stand out is how it combines simple pantry ingredients into something that feels homemade and special.

One-pot simplicity: This dish cooks everything together in a single skillet, saving you time on cleanup.
Comforting cheesy goodness: The combination of salsa con queso and shredded nacho cheese creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite.
Versatility: You can easily switch up the spices or add veggies to suit what you have on hand.
Family-friendly and filling: It’s a hearty meal that pleases kids and grown-ups alike, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

A close-up view of a deep black pan filled with a creamy mixture made of yellow-orange melted cheese, small brown ground meat pieces, bits of white rice, and tiny red, green, and orange vegetable pieces mixed throughout. The surface of the dish is textured with melted cheese strands and bits of meat visible in every part. The pan is placed on a blue-gray cloth over a wooden surface. 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 role in building layers of flavor and texture without complicating things. From the savory browned beef to the creamy cheese, everything blends perfectly.

Flat lay of lean ground beef shaped in a small mound, a small pile of diced yellow onion, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic, a simple white bowl holding clear chicken broth, a neat mound of uncooked long-grain white rice, a small white bowl containing bright diced tomatoes and green chilies, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl with finely ground onion powder, a small white bowl of creamy salsa con queso, and a small pile of shredded nacho cheese, all arranged with 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: Adds hearty protein with less fat, which helps keep the dish from being greasy.
Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the meat.
Minced garlic: A small addition that adds depth and aroma.
Chicken broth: Adds richness and allows the rice to cook with flavor instead of plain water.
Minute rice: Cooks quickly in the broth, absorbing all those meaty and cheesy juices.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Injects a gentle kick and tangy juiciness that livens up the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything into balance.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes and complements the fresh onion.
Salsa con queso: The star ingredient that adds creamy, spicy cheese flavor.
Shredded nacho cheese: Melts into the rice and beef, creating gooey cheesy perfection.

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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

One of the things I adore about this skillet recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often add ingredients or swap out what I have — making it my own without losing the comfort factor.

Variation: I sometimes stir in black beans or corn toward the end for extra texture and fiber—plus it stretches the meal nicely for hungry crowds.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bold kick!
Diet-friendly swaps: Use cauliflower rice instead of minute rice for a low-carb option, or swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with pepper jack or a Mexican blend cheese for different melty flavors.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. I drop in the lean ground beef and immediately add the diced yellow onions. Stir and break up the beef with your spatula, cooking until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft. Taking your time here means your beef will get nicely caramelized, which adds great flavor—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Garlic and Rice Join the Party

Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice. Give everything a gentle stir so the rice gets submerged completely. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked rice soaked with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Bring the skillet to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes—this is the magic time for the rice to absorb that tasty broth. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir well. Add in the Rotel tomatoes, salt, pepper, and onion powder, stirring everything together before increasing the heat back to medium. Cook until the skillet is almost dry of any liquid.

Step 4: The Cheesy Finale

Add the salsa con queso to the skillet and stir to combine. Then sprinkle the shredded nacho cheese over everything and stir just until the cheese melts into a creamy, irresistible sauce. Be careful not to overcook here—you want soft, gooey cheese, not dry or rubbery.

Finally, scoop it up and serve it hot—you’re in for a seriously tasty meal.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours: I’ve made this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe plenty of times, and a few tricks really helped the dish shine every time.

Choose lean ground beef: It keeps the dish from getting greasy and allows the cheese and broth flavors to come through cleanly.
Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the rice soak up the broth fully is key—too short, and the rice will be undercooked and dry.
Add the cheese last: Stirring in the cheese off the heat or on low prevents it from seizing up and getting rubbery.
Watch the seasoning: Since salsa con queso and Rotel add salt and spices, taste before adding extra salt to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this skillet with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness that cuts through the rich cheese. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced green onions add a cool, creamy contrast that really completes the dish.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple green salad or steamed broccoli pairs beautifully with the richness of this skillet. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside tortilla chips to scoop up every last cheesy bite or with a side of black beans for extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on family dinners or casual parties, I’ve spooned this beef and rice mixture into halved bell peppers or small bread bowls—everyone loves how the dish transforms into a handheld delight. It’s also wonderful served as a taco filling with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cheesy ground beef and rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to stir well after reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Gently warm over medium-low heat, stirring often until it’s heated through and creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! If you prefer, you can use regular long-grain rice, but it will require longer cooking time and more liquid—around 15-20 minutes covered on low heat. Be sure to check the rice doneness and add broth if it gets too dry before the rice cooks through.

What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for protein. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra spices or veggies to keep the richness that meat usually provides.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can cook the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven. If reheating for a crowd, make sure to keep it covered to lock in moisture.

What’s the secret to getting perfectly melted cheese in this skillet?

The key is to add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat and stir gently just until melted. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become rubbery, so a gentle hand keeps it creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight meal rotation because it comes together quickly, requires minimal cleanup, and offers that cozy feeling only a good cheese-infused dish can deliver. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes to keep close for when you want tasty comfort food without the hassle.