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 one-pan meal that fills your kitchen with those inviting, cheesy aromas. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly that—creamy, flavorful, and simple enough to whip up on any weeknight, making it a fast favorite in my own dinner rotation.

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

Honestly, it's the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. The combo of cheesy goodness, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice is just irresistible. Whenever I make this, it instantly becomes the dish everyone's asking for seconds on.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, saving you time and cutting back on dishes, which I always appreciate after a busy day.
Mouthwatering Flavor: The mix of salsa con queso and nacho cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that makes each bite feel indulgent.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily add spices or veggies to make it your own without losing that cozy vibe.
Quick and Easy: With a total cook time under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weekday dinners or whenever hunger strikes fast.

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

The magic here is in the balance — hearty ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, plus that cheesy finish that ties the dish together. Choosing the right ingredients really helps this skillet reach full flavor potential.

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 too much grease, which can weigh down the skillet.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, softening beautifully as it cooks with the beef.
Minced Garlic: Just the right punch of aromatics that wakes up the whole skillet.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory moisture to cook the rice while enhancing flavor far beyond water.
Minute Rice: Cooks quickly and soaks up all the tasty juices perfectly.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Brings in a subtle kick and bright acidity to balance the richness.
Salt, Pepper & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that boost each ingredient without overpowering.
Salsa Con Queso: The creamy, cheesy heart of the dish that amps up the comfort-factor.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Melts on top for gooey, melty perfection that’s irresistible.

📝

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 love tweaking this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood. It’s such a forgiving dish — you can customize it easily while still nailing that comforting vibe.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the salsa con queso for a spicy queso dip to turn up the heat—it’s a game-changer if you like a bit of a kick.
Vegetable Boost: Adding chopped bell peppers or corn adds color and sweetness, making the skillet even more vibrant and nutritious.
Meat Alternative: I’ve also replaced the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version, and it still turns out fantastic.
Cheese Twist: Experimenting with different shredded cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack can change the flavor profile subtly but deliciously.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef. Toss in the diced yellow onions right away — they soften and sweeten as the meat browns. I like to break up the beef with my spatula as it cooks to get nice crumbles. Cook until the beef is fully browned, with no pink left visible. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Garlic and Rice Join The Party

Once the beef and onions are looking good, stir in your minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Garlic burns fast, so watch it closely! Then pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the minute rice evenly over the skillet. Gently stir to submerge the rice fully in the liquid, which is key for even cooking.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Bring the skillet to a rolling boil, then slap on a lid and turn the heat down to low. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. This step lets the rice absorb the flavorful broth and become tender without getting mushy.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

After those 5 minutes, take off the lid and stir everything well. Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies along with the salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mixing these in now means the flavors meld nicely without making the rice gummy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Queso

Turn the heat back up to medium and continue cooking until the skillet liquid mostly evaporates – this usually takes about 5 more minutes. Finally, stir in the salsa con queso and shredded nacho cheese. Stir just until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey blanket over the beef and rice. At this point, you’ll smell all those cozy flavors mingling — it’s heavenly!

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few little tricks that always help this skillet recipe come out perfectly cheesy and flavorful every single time.

Don’t Skip Browning the Meat Properly: Fully browning your ground beef and onions releases flavor and ensures no funky textures—plus, it avoids excess moisture messing with the rice cooking.
Use Chicken Broth, Not Water: This adds a richer base flavor. I tried water once and my family definitely noticed the difference!
Keep the Lid On During That Crucial Simmer: Trapping steam cooks the rice evenly without drying out the dish.
Stir in Cheese Last: Melt the cheese gently off-heat to get creamy texture without the cheese separating or becoming oily.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions—adds a nice fresh pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a squeeze of lime juice brightens things up wonderfully, especially if you’ve added extra chilies.

Side Dishes

To keep dinner balanced, I love serving this skillet with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. If you want to keep it super simple, some warm tortillas make great vehicles for scooping every cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or family gathering, I’ve layered this skillet into a casserole dish and topped it with extra cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking. It makes this easy dinner feel a little more festive and impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation that makes the rice mushy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Just pack fully cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Stirring occasionally helps bring back that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe?

You can, but regular rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly. Minute rice is recommended for its quick cooking and texture compatibility in this skillet.

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

I find a blend of nacho cheese and salsa con queso works best to get a creamy, melty texture and rich flavor. You can substitute with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different but still delicious result.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and spices will still give it plenty of flavor.

How spicy is this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the Rotel’s green chilies and salsa con queso. You can reduce or increase heat by choosing milder or spicier salsa options to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of my go-to weeknight comforts that always hits the spot. It’s quick, fuss-free, and delivers that perfect mix of cheesy richness and savory goodness. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying for your family as it is for mine—sometimes simple meals become the most beloved traditions.