Cheesy Ground Beef Rice: Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this! Imagine a dish brimming with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and an abundance of melted, gooey cheese. Its a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

While the exact origins of cheesy ground beef rice are a bit hazy, its essence lies in the resourceful and comforting nature of home cooking. Similar dishes have likely been prepared in various cultures for generations, adapting to local ingredients and preferences. Think of it as a culinary melting pot, where simple ingredients transform into something truly special.

What makes this dish so universally loved? For starters, it’s incredibly satisfying. The combination of protein-rich ground beef, hearty rice, and creamy cheese creates a well-rounded and filling meal. Its also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and cheeses to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Whether you’re looking for a comforting classic or a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, this cheesy ground beef rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to brown our ground beef. This is where we build a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it!

Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy rice dish!
Now, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. This should take about 5 minutes. You want the onions to be translucent and the peppers to be slightly tender.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Combining Ingredients and Simmering

Alright, the beef and veggies are ready! Now it’s time to bring everything together for that cheesy, flavorful goodness.

Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel, also undrained) into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Make sure everything is well combined.
Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. This is crucial for even cooking.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time! This is important for the rice to cook properly. Peeking will release steam and can affect the cooking time and texture of the rice.
After 20-25 minutes, check the rice. If it’s still a little wet, cook for a few more minutes, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed. If the rice is cooked but there’s still a lot of liquid, increase the heat slightly and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates. Be careful not to burn the rice!

Adding the Cheese and Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Now for the best part the cheese!

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. This will make the rice extra cheesy and delicious.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the rice. This will create a nice, cheesy crust.
Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. This allows the cheese to melt evenly and create that perfect cheesy topping.
Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas:

Serve it as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Add a sprinkle of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Make it a complete meal by adding black beans, corn, and avocado.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations:

Use different types of meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chorizo for a spicier flavor.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini. Just add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack. A blend of cheeses would also be delicious!
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Use brown rice: For a healthier option, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Make it in a slow cooker: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make it ahead of time: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Add beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approximately 350-400
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 20-25g

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that I wholeheartedly believe you need in your life. Seriously! From the savory ground beef to the perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a blanket of melty, gooey cheese, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet satisfying enough to impress guests. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, the possibilities are truly endless. Feeling adventurous? Stir in some diced bell peppers, onions, or even a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added texture and nutrients. A sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce can kick up the heat for those who like a little spice. For a creamier, richer dish, try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, or even adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. Think crisp green beans, roasted broccoli, or a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. You could even serve it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. The options are truly limitless!

And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Rice also makes a fantastic filling for burritos or quesadillas the next day. Talk about a delicious and convenient way to repurpose your meal!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or not, if you’re going stovetop!), and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you add your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments section below. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Comforting one-pot meal with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheddar cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Easy to make and satisfying.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time35 minutes

Total Time50 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6 servings

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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, and drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel, also undrained).
4. Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
6. Check Rice: After 20-25 minutes, check the rice. If it’s still wet, cook for a few more minutes, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed.
7. Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Melt Cheese: Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
10. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
11. Serve: Serve hot as a main course or side dish.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while simmering the rice, as this will release steam and affect the cooking time and texture.
- Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Feel free to customize with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses.
- For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe