Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice

If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, then Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is the answer! It’s a one-pot wonder, packed with flavor and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of ground beef, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice creates a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a matter of minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Meal: Save time on cleanup with this simple, one-pot recipe!
• Flavor Packed: With the cheesy goodness of queso and seasoned beef, your taste buds are in for a treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spice levels to suit your family’s preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish heats up wonderfully, so you can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup queso cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let the spices cook for about 1 minute.
4. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Bring to a Boil: Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Mix in Queso: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded queso cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
7. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice

• Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is well browned for depth of flavor.
• Use Quality Queso: The type of queso you use can greatly affect the creaminess of the dish. Opt for a good quality shredded cheese.
• Add Vegetables: To make it even healthier, consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spice Levels: For those who enjoy a kick, jalapeños or hot sauce can be added for extra heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Variations to Try

• Southwest Style: Add black beans and swap the bell pepper for diced jalapeños for a spicy southwestern version.
• Mexican Street Corn: Top with grilled corn and a drizzle of lime for a refreshing twist.
• BBQ Beef: For a smoky flavor, mix in some barbecue sauce with the beef before combining with rice.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values will depend on serving size and ingredients, here’s a general breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: Approx. 450
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is a versatile, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home. The melting cheese combined with the savory beef and perfectly cooked rice makes each bite delicious. Don’t forget to try out different variations to keep meals exciting, and share this recipe with family and friends!

Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice

A delicious one-pot meal packed with ground beef, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup queso cheese (shredded) Use quality queso for creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let the spices cook for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded queso cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
7. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Brown the beef well for depth of flavor. Consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a healthier option. For added spice, include jalapeños or hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.