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 where the flavors just meld together perfectly—like in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with a little kick from the Rotel that keeps every bite exciting. Trust me, this one quickly became one of my go-to dinners when I want something hearty but fuss-free.

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

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe has all the best qualities I look for in a dinner: it’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor without needing a ton of prep work. I love how every ingredient plays off the other perfectly to create something simple but wildly delicious.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less cleanup — and more time enjoying your food.
Cheesy Goodness: The combo of salsa con queso and shredded nacho cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce you won’t want to stop eating.
Flavorful Kick: The Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add just the right spicy tang without overpowering the rest of the dish.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or when you need dinner on the table fast.

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

The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable, but each one is important for flavor and texture. Lean ground beef provides hearty protein while keeping things lighter, and the minute rice cooks up quickly, soaking up all those rich flavors. Salsa con queso is my secret weapon for instant cheesiness and a subtle spicy creaminess that holds the dish together.

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: Use 90% lean to avoid excess grease but still get rich meaty flavor.
Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with beef.
Minced garlic: A classic flavor booster for any savory dish.
Chicken broth: Gives the rice flavor and keeps things moist without watering down the taste.
Minute rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the savory juices.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Adds freshness and a bit of heat for brightness.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor and adds a subtle savory note.
Salsa con queso: Brings creamy, cheesy spice that makes this dish stand out.
Shredded nacho cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that indulgent finishing touch.

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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 love to make this recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood. Sometimes I throw in extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for more color and texture—you can totally do this without complicating the process. You’ll find it super forgiving!

Variation: Adding black beans gives it a southwest twist and adds extra protein, which turns it into a filling vegetarian-friendly meal if you swap out the beef.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef right in. Toss in the diced yellow onions at the same time and stir well. Crumble the beef as you cook, letting the onions soften and sweeten in the process. It usually takes about 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and your kitchen smells amazing—don't rush this step, it lays the base for great flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Broth & Rice

Once the beef and onions are ready, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and the minute rice. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure all the rice is submerged — this helps it cook evenly without drying out.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Bring your skillet up to a boil, cover it with a lid, and immediately turn the heat down to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 5 minutes; try not to peek too much—you want that steam to work its magic. After 5 minutes, remove the lid, stir well, and add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir again and increase the heat to medium to let any remaining liquid evaporate.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

When there’s no liquid left at the bottom, lower the heat a bit and add the salsa con queso. Give it a good stir so it coats everything in creamy, tangy goodness. Finally, sprinkle the shredded nacho cheese over the top and stir just until it melts into the skillet – don’t over-stir because you want those gooey cheesy pockets! Then, scoop it up and enjoy right away.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe tons of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it tasting fresh and perfectly creamy every time. These pointers helped me avoid the usual "too soupy" or “too dry” pitfalls and made me a lot less nervous about timing.

Keep the Heat Balanced: Start with medium-high to brown the beef properly, but turn it low when simmering the rice to let it cook through without burning the bottom.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Cooking the rice for exactly 5 minutes under the lid before stirring helps it absorb liquid perfectly without ending up mushy.
Cheese Last: Add shredded cheese off the heat or on very low to prevent it from becoming grainy — gentle melting keeps it smooth and melty.
Watch Liquid Levels: If it seems like there’s too much broth left after simmering, crank the heat up for a minute or two to let it evaporate before adding the cheese.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a little fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright contrast to the rich cheese. Sometimes I’ll add chopped green onions or even a dollop of sour cream if I’m feeling indulgent. These little touches can elevate your skillet into something really special.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is pretty filling on its own, I usually keep sides light and simple. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus work beautifully. Occasionally, I pair it with warm tortillas or a side of guacamole for a Tex-Mex vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during family dinners, I’ve spooned the skillet mixture into bell pepper halves or even halved baked potatoes—kids love the colorful presentation! It’s a great way to dress this humble skillet up for guests or weeknight celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3 days. The rice absorbs a bit more of the cheesy sauce overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Keep in mind the cheese texture might change a bit, but the flavor stays spot on.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up, stirring gently so the cheese doesn’t separate. You can also microwave it covered in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the minute rice for regular rice?

Yes, you can use regular rice, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly. Regular rice usually takes longer to cook, so you’d want to simmer it uncovered and check periodically to avoid drying the skillet out. I recommend sticking with minute rice for ease and timing.

Is this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, but it’s generally very approachable. If you like it spicier, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you prefer no heat at all, use mild Rotel or drain some of the chilies.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the rest of the ingredients can stay the same. It’ll still be cheesy, comforting, and delicious.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Nacho cheese blend works wonderfully for the shredded cheese because it melts smoothly and has great flavor. For the salsa con queso, any good quality store-bought queso dip is perfect. You can experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack if you want, but the original combo has my favorite flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I keep on rotation because it hits all the right notes: comforting, cheesy, easy, and delicious. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a handful of simple ingredients can come together so beautifully in one skillet. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug after a busy day.