If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that ticks every box—comforting, hearty, easy, and loaded with flavor—look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice. This all-in-one skillet meal brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, melty cheddar cheese, and pops of color from red bell pepper, all tied together with a gentle kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s the sort of dish you want to curl up with at the end of a long day, and thanks to its simple steps and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s destined to become a family favorite in your home too.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice is how it transforms a handful of pantry staples into something magical. Each ingredient plays an important role in giving the dish its irresistible flavor, comforting texture, and appealing appearance.

Ground beef (1 pound, lean preferred): Brings rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture that anchors the dish—lean beef keeps it lighter without sacrificing taste.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps brown the beef for a wonderful base flavor.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Builds up the classic aroma and gently sweet base that complements the beef.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides an aromatic kick and balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): Offers both sweetness and a splash of color to brighten the skillet.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Absorbs all the savory juices, getting fluffy and flavorful as it cooks.
Low-sodium beef broth (2 ½ cups): Infuses the rice and meat with deep, umami richness without making the meal too salty.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 ounces, undrained): Brings tanginess, moisture, and just a hint of spice for complexity.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warming sensation and that signature Tex-Mex vibe.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Contributes subtle smoky undertones that work beautifully with the beef.
Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for brightening and balancing the entire skillet.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Melts to form a creamy, ooey-gooey finish that everyone will love.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional, chopped): A fresh, green touch for garnish that lifts every bite.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Let it cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until beautifully browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra grease, drain it off—this keeps Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice from feeling too heavy while letting all that savory beefiness shine.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Let the vegetables cook alongside the beef for 3 to 4 minutes. The onion becomes soft, the garlic infuses its aroma, and the bell pepper gets just tender enough to add texture and color to your skillet.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so the rice is evenly distributed and nestling in that flavorful liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all the savory juices while softening to the perfect bite.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy!

Once the rice is cooked through and the liquid absorbed, remove your skillet from the heat. Now comes the fun part—stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt into the hot rice and beef mixture, making everything gloriously creamy and cheesy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top, then cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes. The top cheese gets perfectly melty, just waiting to be scooped onto plates.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter over the fresh parsley if you’d like. It adds a bit of freshness and color, making your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice look as inviting as it tastes. Serve immediately while it’s warm and extra cheesy.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic—it looks gorgeous and provides a fresh, herbal lift. If you want to take your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice up a notch, try topping it with sliced scallions, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce. These little extras can turn a comforting skillet supper into a showstopper on your table.

Side Dishes

While Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice is definitely a meal in itself, it plays well with a few simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli, or even cornbread for a truly satisfying dinner. A bowl of fresh fruit on the side makes the meal feel extra complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice in individual oven-safe ramekins and pop them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Or, stuff the mixture into bell pepper halves and bake until the peppers are tender and the tops are browned. You can even use leftovers to fill burritos or tacos for an ultra-comforting next-day lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it has cooled to room temperature before packing it away to keep everything fresh and tasty.

Freezing

Want to make your life even easier? This dish is a freezer superstar! Once your skillet has cooled completely, divide the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months—just label and date so you always know what’s waiting in your freezer stash.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a portion in a microwave-safe bowl until piping hot, stirring halfway through for even heating. Or, rewarm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water (and maybe a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent) until heated through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! If you swap in brown rice, increase the beef broth to 3 cups and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes. The result is just as delicious and even a bit nuttier in flavor.

What’s the best way to add more spice?

If you like things hot, try tossing in some diced jalapeños with the onion and bell pepper, or bump up the chili powder. You can also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce at the table.

Can Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice be made vegetarian?

For a meatless version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or canned, drained lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The skillet will still pack plenty of flavor and creamy richness!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the recipe up to the final cheese step, then refrigerate. Before serving, sprinkle the top with cheese and reheat in the oven until bubbly. It’s party-perfect and just as delicious.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

To ensure fluffy, separated grains, stick to long-grain white rice and don’t overcook. Let the mixture simmer with the lid on until the liquid is just absorbed, then rest it with the cheese off the heat for perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a guaranteed dinnertime winner, I can’t recommend Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice enough. It’s as comforting as a warm hug, comes together with simple ingredients, and makes both kids and grown-ups grin from ear to ear. Give it a try tonight—you’ll see just how quickly it earns its place in your regular dinner rotation!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice recipe is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Tender ground beef, flavorful spices, and gooey melted cheddar cheese make this dish a winner for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Cook vegetables and rice: Stir in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
Add cheese and serve: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute brown rice for white rice, adjusting broth and cook time accordingly.
For extra heat, add jalapeños or more chili powder.
This dish freezes well—cool completely before freezing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American