Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican-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

Nothing beats the cozy, melty comfort of a one-pan meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a total game-changer—combining savory beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese into one satisfying dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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've made this skillet meal more times than I can count, and every time it feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s super straightforward but still packs serious flavor from those cheesy, spicy layers. Here’s why I think it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of Rotel tomatoes, salsa con queso, and nacho cheese creates a creamy, zesty flavor boost.
Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike—comfort food everyone will want seconds of.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

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 Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe balances hearty protein, tender rice, and creamy cheese with just the right zing. Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference, so I always go for lean ground beef and fresh aromatics.

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: Lean meat keeps the skillet from getting greasy but still delivers rich flavor.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Minced Garlic: Garlic provides that classic aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with savory goodness as it cooks.
Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice makes this an achievable weeknight meal without fuss.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Gives the dish a bright, mildly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Salt, Pepper & Onion Powder: Seasoning layers flavor, keeping things balanced and tasty.
Salsa con Queso: Creamy and cheesy, this salsa amps up the richness and adds a mild spice.
Shredded Nacho Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, making the whole skillet irresistibly cheesy.

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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 my favorite things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, and it still turns out delicious and cheesy.
Spice Level: Want it hotter? Add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the Rotel.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn along with the onions for more texture and color.
Dairy-Free Option: Try using a dairy-free cheese alternative and omit the cheese sauce for those with sensitivities.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the lean ground beef. I throw in the diced yellow onions right away so they cook alongside the beef, getting soft and sweet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef into small pieces while it browns evenly. Watch for that rich brown color—avoid cooking too fast or the onions might burn.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor

Once the beef is fully browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so keep things moving and don’t let it turn dark brown.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Rice & Cook

Pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice, stirring gently so the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the skillet with a lid, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This is the magic moment when the rice soaks up all that savory broth flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Seasoning & Reduce Liquid

Remove the lid and stir well, then add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Bring the heat back up to medium and cook uncovered until the liquid has mostly evaporated—this avoids a soggy skillet and keeps the texture just right.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Salsa

Blend in the salsa con queso for creaminess, then add the shredded nacho cheese. Stir gently and just long enough to melt the cheese into a luscious layer of gooey goodness. Be careful not to overcook here—you want melty, not dried out.

Scoop into bowls, and you’re ready for a cozy, cheesy dinner feast!

Top Tip

Throughout the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these small tips will save you from common cooking missteps.

Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time browning the beef and onions to develop rich flavor—crowding the pan can cause steaming instead of browning.
Cover & Simmer Rice: Keeping the skillet covered while simmering helps the rice cook evenly and soak up all that broth.
Cheese Last: Add shredded cheese at the very end over low heat so it melts smoothly without clumping or burning.
Stir Gently: Once the cheese is in, stir carefully so you keep that creamy texture—vigorous stirring can make it grainy.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Sometimes a wedge of lime on the side adds a bright counterpoint to the richness. If you want a little crunch, crushed tortilla chips on top work wonders.

Side Dishes

Since the skillet is already filling, I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lime and olive oil. Sometimes I add a side of steamed veggies or roasted corn to round things out without overwhelming the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, I serve this cheesy ground beef and rice in mini cast iron skillets or colorful ramekins—it’s charming and keeps things warm. I’ve also used it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or served alongside tortilla chips for scooping, which always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it keeps its flavor and texture well, but it’s best reheated gently to keep the cheese melty without drying out.

Freezing

This dish freezes pretty well, too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the texture might be slightly softer, but the flavors stay vibrant.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up, stirring often to keep the cheese smooth. The microwave works in a pinch—heat in short bursts and stir between intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?

Yes! You can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice separately or adjusting simmering time accordingly.

What if I don’t have salsa con queso?

If you don’t have salsa con queso, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk and taco seasoning for a similar creamy, spicy flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese or substitute accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa con queso. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot varieties or add extra chili powder if you want more kick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe has saved me on nights when I want something comforting but fuss-free. The melty cheese and savory beef combo keeps everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s one of those meals that feels effortlessly special. You should definitely give it a try—I'm sure it’ll become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine.