Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice

Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice is my answer whenever I am craving serious comfort food without a ton of fuss. This Tex-Mex skillet checks off all the boxes on a weeknight with hearty beef, rice cooked right in the pan and enough bubbly cheese to satisfy everyone at the table.

On a hectic week I throw this together and dinner disappears faster than it comes out of the skillet. It has saved me from takeout more times than I can count.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: brings robust flavor and cooks quickly look for 90 percent lean for less grease
• Diced yellow onion: provides sweetness and depth a firm onion with dry skin is best
• Minced garlic: infuses the dish with aromatic warmth fresh or jarred garlic both work
• Chicken broth: is the liquid base that soaks into the rice opt for low sodium if you watch salt
• Minute rice: makes this a true fast supper use fresh not old rice for best texture
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: add tang heat and color grab the original or mild to suit your spice level
• Salt and pepper: balance all the flavors I keep kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on hand
• Onion powder: gives a punch of extra savory flavor choose a fresh spice jar over old
• Salsa con queso: swirls creamy cheese and a hint of spice it melts best when brought to room temperature
• Shredded nacho cheese: for a gooey melt use cheese you shred yourself for smoothness

Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Drop the lean ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the diced onions Stir and cook crumbling the beef until fully browned You want to let the onions soften and turn lightly golden This is your main flavor base so take your time

Add Garlic:

Toss in the minced garlic Stir it into the beef and keep cooking for about two minutes You should really smell those garlicky aromas that tell you the skillet is ready for the next step

Simmer Rice and Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth and add the minute rice Stir gently until every grain of rice is completely surrounded by liquid Cover the skillet and let it bubble away The rice will soak up all the savory flavors in about five minutes

Mix in Tomatoes and Seasoning:

Now add the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies salt pepper and onion powder Stir to fully combine and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer Let it all cook for another five to seven minutes so the flavors meld and the rice becomes tender

Stir in Cheeses:

Turn the heat down low and gently fold in the salsa con queso and shredded nacho cheese Let the cheeses melt into the skillet while you stir until the whole dish is creamy and steaming hot The cheese will form glossy ribbons throughout the skillet which is exactly what you want

Serve:

Spoon the cheesy beefy rice onto plates while it is piping hot Fancy toppings are optional but fresh cilantro or chopped green onion add a nice crunch

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Nacho cheese is my personal secret for extra creaminess It reminds me of game day dinners with my family when the entire kitchen smelled like melted cheese and excitement was in the air The Rotel tomatoes always brighten up the dish with a touch of Tex-Mex nostalgia

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days The rice stays tender with reheating and any cheese on top becomes even gooier Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency Avoid microwaving too long or the cheese can separate

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter dish Vegetable broth will work instead of chicken broth if you want to make it meatless If you do not have Rotel use regular diced tomatoes and a can of chopped green chiles

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the beefy rice into warm tortillas for quick burritos or tuck into bell pepper halves before baking for a fun twist A simple green salad or roasted corn on the cob makes a perfect side

Cultural Context

This recipe draws on classic Tex-Mex flavors combining convenience ingredients with that irresistible combination of beef melted cheese tomatoes and rice Tex-Mex cuisine is famous for transforming regular pantry staples into something festive bold and crowd pleasing

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This Tex-Mex skillet is as comforting as it is quick. Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

Use minute rice and ensure it's just submerged in broth. Simmer gently and avoid over-stirring for fluffy results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Increase the heat by adding extra diced green chilies, spicy salsa, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

→ Can this meal be prepped ahead?

Yes, you can brown the beef and prep ingredients in advance. Assemble in the skillet just before serving for best texture.

→ What cheese works as a substitute for nacho cheese?

Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese can be swapped in for nacho cheese if needed.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.