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 something so comforting about a one-pan meal that combines the hearty goodness of beef, the satisfying fluffiness of rice, and loads of melty cheese. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe hits all those marks — it’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something filling without 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 stumbled onto this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The way all the flavors meld together in one skillet makes cleanup just as easy as the cooking. You really get big flavor with minimal effort, which is a win-win!

Simple One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks together, saving you time and the dreaded pile of dishes.
Rich, Melty Cheese: The blend of queso salsa and shredded nacho cheese creates a creamy texture that’s pure comfort food.
Quick and Satisfying: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty fast.
Customize to Your Taste: Easily swap out ingredients or add veggies to make it your own.

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

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together. The ground beef brings meaty depth, while the rice soaks up all the juicy flavors. The cheese and salsa con queso add creaminess and a little zing that keeps every bite interesting.

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: Choose lean to avoid excess grease but still get that rich meaty flavor.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma, which pairs perfectly with beef.
Minced Garlic: A classic flavor enhancer — don’t skip it!
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that infuses flavor into the rice as it cooks.
Minute Rice: Cooks quickly, making this meal fast without losing texture.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds a bit of tang and mild spice, which brightens the dish.
Salt, Pepper & Onion Powder: Essential seasoning that brings everything together.
Salsa con Queso: Creamy and flavorful, it adds a cheesy salsa kick that's irresistible.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Melts perfectly on top, sealing in all the deliciousness.

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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 best things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is how adaptable it is. Personally, I love tossing in some extra veggies or swapping cheeses depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment — that’s where the fun starts!

Variation: Adding bell peppers or corn is a great way to boost nutrients and color. I often sneak in some spinach at the end for an extra veggie boost, which barely changes the flavor but adds tons of benefits.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeño or sprinkle extra chili powder with the seasonings.
Dairy-Free: Swap the regular cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a mild salsa without queso to keep the creamy texture.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a different twist without sacrificing heartiness.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

Start by heating your skillet to medium-high and adding the lean ground beef. Toss in your diced yellow onions right away and give it a good stir. As the beef browns, break it up with your spatula. Cooking the meat fully and letting the onions soften is crucial for building flavor. Don’t rush this step — the smell alone is worth it!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids, Then Simmer the Rice

Once the beef is nicely browned and onions are translucent, add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir in the minute rice, making sure the rice is fully submerged. Bring it all to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes — this is where the rice absorbs all those savory juices.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings

Take off the lid and stir the mixture well. Now add the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. This combo adds brightness and complexity. Turn the heat to medium and cook until all the liquid evaporates — that’s when you know it’s perfectly cooked and not mushy.

Step 4: Add Salsa Con Queso and Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the salsa con queso. It adds a luscious creaminess that transforms the skillet into cheesy heaven. Finally, sprinkle the shredded nacho cheese evenly over the top and stir just until melted. Don’t over mix here — you want gooey pockets of cheese, not a dull mush.

And that’s it! Scoop it up while it’s warm, and you’re in for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe multiple times, a few little tricks make all the difference between an everyday meal and something memorable.

Don’t Skip Browning: Fully brown your ground beef and let the onions soften before adding liquids for richer flavor.
Rice Timing: Cover and let the rice cook undisturbed for the full 5 minutes to prevent it from sticking or becoming gummy.
Cheese Last: Add shredded cheese off the heat or on low to get that perfect gooey melt without turning oily.
Liquid Check: Stir after 5 minutes to make sure rice isn’t dry and add a splash more broth if needed to cook perfectly.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice also brightens the flavors nicely. If you like it spicy, a few pickled jalapeños on top never hurt!

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is pretty hearty on its own, I like to serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the meal. Cornbread or warm tortillas are great for scooping too if you’re in the mood for some carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to bake this mixture in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and crushed tortilla chips for crunch. It’s always a hit and looks inviting. Serving it in colorful bowls with toppings spread out allows guests to build their own flavor combos — super fun for casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually stays great for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it before sealing so it doesn’t get soggy. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently to keep that cheesy goodness intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label them. When you thaw, the texture remains solid — just thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove or microwave. The cheese may separate a bit, but a quick stir fixes that right up.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overcook or the rice can dry out. Stir halfway through reheating to spread the cheese and heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?

You can substitute regular white rice, but it will require a longer cooking time—about 18-20 minutes instead of 5. Make sure to add a little more chicken broth to prevent the dish from drying out, and keep the skillet covered while simmering.

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

The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. For longer storage, freezing works well too.

What can I serve alongside this skillet to round out the meal?

This skillet pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a side of warm tortillas or cornbread. Adding a citrusy or tangy side helps balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It's quick, satisfying, and adaptable enough to keep coming back to without ever feeling boring. I love sharing it with friends because it’s easy to make, delicious, and brings everyone together around the table. I’m pretty sure once you try it, it’ll earn a spot in your regular meal rotation too.