Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe

Looking to whip up a delicious meal in a flash that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice recipe! This one-pot wonder is a lifesaver for busy nights when hunger strikes and time is of the essence. With simple ingredients like lean ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, salsa con queso, and a blend of gooey cheeses, you can have a flavorful dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

I stumbled upon this Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice creation during a chaotic weeknight when dinner seemed like a distant dream. Since then, it has earned a permanent spot in my weekly meal rotation, much to the delight of my hungry crew. Even my friend Dana, a staunch advocate for all things made from scratch, couldn’t resist the allure of this cheesy, comforting meal. Sometimes, convenience truly is key, especially when it results in a dish that brings smiles to the faces around the dinner table.

With its creamy texture and zesty flavors, this Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice dish is a winner that you’ll want to make time and time again. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean up since it only requires one skillet! So, the next time you’re in need of a stress-free meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a family favorite in no time.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Kid-friendly: A cheesy, flavorful meal that kids love
• Convenient: Uses pantry staples and convenience foods for a stress-free dinner
• Leftover-friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal on the table.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of cheesy queso, ground beef, and rice is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy the meal.
• Pantry Staples: Utilize pantry staples like instant rice and canned Rotel tomatoes to create a flavorful dish without needing to make a trip to the store.
• Comfort Food: The cheesy and spicy flavors of this dish make it the ultimate comfort food, ideal for cozy nights in or when you need a pick-me-up meal.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
• Minimal Cleanup: With only one skillet needed to make this recipe, you’ll love how easy cleanup is, leaving you with more time to relax after a delicious meal.

Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe

For the Base

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced

For the Rice

• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 10.5 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups instant rice
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cheesy Finish

• 2 cups shredded nacho cheese blend
• 1 cup salsa con queso

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onions until beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Add minced garlic, stir, and cook for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Add chicken broth and instant rice to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure all rice is submerged. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes without uncovering.

Step 4: Fluff and Season

Remove the lid after 5 minutes, stir well, and incorporate Rotel, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Increase heat to medium.

Step 5: Cook Out the Liquid

Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has evaporated from the skillet.

Step 6: Make It Cheesy

Mix in the salsa con queso until well combined. Add the shredded nacho cheese and stir until melted.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Divide the mixture into bowls and serve hot and gooey. Enjoy your cheesy one-pot meal.

Storage Tips

After preparing the cheesy queso ground beef and rice, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 4 days, ensuring you have convenient and delicious meals ready to enjoy throughout the week. When reheating, you may notice the rice has tightened up; simply add a splash of chicken broth or water before microwaving to help restore the creamy texture and prevent dryness.

While this cheesy queso beef and rice is perfect for storing in the fridge, it is not recommended to freeze this dish. Freezing can cause the cheese sauce and Rotel tomatoes to become grainy and separate upon thawing, affecting the overall texture and taste. By following these storage tips, you can continue to savor the flavors of this flavorful one-pot meal without compromising its quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to make this recipe without using instant rice, you can substitute it with long-grain white rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer, and you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly. Brown rice can also be used as a healthier alternative, but it will require even more cooking time and liquid.

For a homemade touch, you can replace the salsa con queso with a combination of melted Velveeta or American cheese with a splash of heavy cream or milk. This will create a creamy cheese sauce that you can season with additional spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to mimic the flavors of the original dish. Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice, consider stuffing bell peppers with the mixture and baking until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden brown. Top with extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a colorful and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Another creative way to enjoy this dish is to use it as a filling for loaded nachos. Simply spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon the cheesy beef and rice mixture over the chips, and sprinkle with more shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with your favorite nacho toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. This nacho twist on the classic dish is perfect for a casual gathering or game day snack that will have everyone coming back for more!

FAQs for Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that ground turkey may result in a slightly different flavor profile compared to using ground beef.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by using plant-based ground “beef” crumbles or a mix of beans instead of the ground beef. Additionally, you can opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to ensure it’s vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use fresh tomatoes and chilies instead of canned Rotel?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes and chilies instead of canned Rotel. Simply dice fresh tomatoes and green chilies to replace the canned version. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference since fresh ingredients may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this dish spicier, you can add additional red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the recipe. Adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference to enhance the heat of the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, proving that a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Embrace the convenience of pantry staples and enjoy the warm, gooey comfort of this one-pot wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for its simplicity and unbeatable flavor.

So next time you find yourself in a dinner crunch, remember the magic of Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfaction. Let’s celebrate the beauty of quick, easy, and delicious meals that keep our loved ones well-fed and happy. Bon appétit!

Ultimate Cheesy Queso Beef Rice Recipe

“Spicy, gooey Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice – a quick, one-pot wonder that turns pantry staples into a flavorful family favorite!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time22 Minutes

Total Time27 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced

For the Rice

• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 10.5 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups instant rice
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cheesy Finish

• 2 cups shredded nacho cheese blend
• 1 cup salsa con queso

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onions until beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the Garlic: Add minced garlic, stir, and cook for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice: Add chicken broth and instant rice to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure all rice is submerged. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes without uncovering.
4. Fluff and Season: Remove the lid after 5 minutes, stir well, and incorporate Rotel, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Increase heat to medium.
5. Cook Out the Liquid: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has evaporated from the skillet.
6. Make It Cheesy: Mix in the salsa con queso until well combined. Add the shredded nacho cheese and stir until melted.
7. Serve Hot: Divide the mixture into bowls and serve hot and gooey. Enjoy your cheesy one-pot meal.