Why You’ll Love Cheesy Queso Ground Beef RiceRecipe

This dish ticks all the boxes: simple ingredients you likely already have, one pan to cook and clean, ready in under 30 minutes, and enough cheesy goodness to satisfy even picky eaters. Quick, comforting, and family-friendly, it’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lean ground beef
diced yellow onion
minced garlic
chicken broth
minute rice
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
salt
pepper
onion powder
salsa con queso
shredded nacho cheese

Directions

Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat until fully browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice. Stir gently to ensure the rice is submerged.
Bring to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let steam for about 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, then add the Rotel tomatoes with chilies, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir well.
Continue cooking until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the rice is tender.
Stir in the salsa con queso until evenly coated.
Add the shredded nacho cheese and stir until melted and creamy throughout.
Scoop into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 22 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Serves: about 6 portions

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use hot Rotel and spicy queso for a bolder flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or beans.
Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice and adjust liquid accordingly.
Southwest Style: Top with sliced avocado, a drizzle of lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess if needed. For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts since regular rice takes longer to cook. Cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end for best results.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the tomatoes with green chilies and salsa con queso, but you can boost heat by using spicier queso or adding jalapeños.

What toppings go well with this meal?

Chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, and extra shredded cheese are great toppings. Tortilla chips on the side add a nice crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare this ahead and reheat it later. Add a bit of liquid during reheating to maintain a creamy texture.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check the labels on the Rotel tomatoes and salsa con queso, as some brands may contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free products to keep it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Corn, black beans, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred in for extra nutrition.

How do I make it cheesier?

Increase the amount of shredded cheese and queso, or stir in pepper jack for extra cheesiness.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully in this dish.

What if I don’t have salsa con queso?

You can use another creamy cheese sauce or even a combination of cream cheese and salsa for a similar effect.

Conclusion

Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice is a satisfying and flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings and picky eaters alike. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and irresistible creamy cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.