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Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice

A delicious one-pot meal packed with ground beef, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450

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.