Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together fast? This Cheesy Rice with Ground Beef is creamy, comforting, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
If you’re anything like me, you need dinner ideas that come together quickly with ingredients you already have in the kitchen. This Cheesy Rice with Ground Beef is one of those easy, nourishing meals that checks all the boxes: simple to make, full of protein, kid-approved, and super comforting. It’s been a go-to in our home when the day has felt long, the fridge is running low, and I just need a win.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with cooked rice.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry and fridge staples you likely already have.
- Protein-packed: Thanks to ground beef, cheese, and milk.
- Family-approved: My boys love this and always ask for seconds!
- Customizable: Toss in veggies, switch up the cheese, or add a little spice if your people love heat.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef – A hearty source of protein that keeps this meal filling and satisfying.
- Onion – Adds depth and natural sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic – Brings bold, comforting flavor that ties everything together.
- Sea salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors.
- Paprika (optional) – Adds a gentle warmth and color (skip it if your kids are sensitive!).
- Cooked rice – Makes this recipe super fast and helps stretch the beef for budget-friendly meals.
- Whole milk – Adds creaminess and helps melt the cheese into a luscious sauce.
- Cheddar cheese – The star of the show—melty, rich, and kid-approved.
- Butter or ghee – Adds that comforting, homemade flavor and richness.
How to Make Cheesy Rice with Ground Beef
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is fully browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Add Rice, Milk & Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked rice, milk, butter, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until it’s all creamy and melted together.
3. Finish with Cheese on Top
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top and cover the pan for a few minutes to let it melt.
4. Serve Warm & Enjoy
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you want to feel fancy.
Tips & Variations
- Use cooked rice from the night before to save time.
- Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or ground chicken works just as well.
- Toss in some taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Need dairy-free? Swap the milk for broth and skip the cheese—or use a dairy-free option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy, cheesy texture. This recipe also works great for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice from the night before. Just be sure to fluff it up before adding so it mixes in evenly.
What kind of cheese works best?
We love sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but you can use any melty cheese you have—Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or a mix all work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it earlier in the day and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
More Simple, Nourishing Meals You’ll Love
- Easy Potato Bowl with Ground Beef & Cheese
- Easy Ham & Cheese Quiche
- Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Cheesy Rice with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add cooked rice, milk, butter, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir well to combine until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve warm, and garnish with green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover rice to save time and reduce food waste.
- Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a little sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
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