Ground Beef Queso Rice Bake

Introduction

If you love rich, cheesy comfort food with a little Tex-Mex flair, this Ground Beef Queso Rice Bake is about to become your new favorite. It’s a hearty, family-style casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, zesty queso sauce, melted cheese, and flavorful spices — all baked together to bubbling perfection.

Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. The combination of beef, rice, and cheese creates the perfect comfort meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve at gatherings or potlucks. One pan, minimal effort, and maximum comfort — that’s what this dish is all about!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s everything I want in a comforting meal — creamy, cheesy, filling, and full of flavor. The seasoned ground beef adds a savory depth, the queso sauce makes it rich and indulgent, and the rice ties everything together for a balanced, satisfying texture.

It’s also incredibly versatile! You can use leftover rice, customize the spice level, or sneak in extra veggies without changing the flavor. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters go back for seconds.

This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day — delicious, hearty, and completely satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting
• One-pan bake — easy cleanup
• Perfect use for leftover rice or cooked beef
• Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something everyone remembers. You’ll love how easy it is and how delicious it turns out every single time!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
• Course: Main Course / Casserole

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz / 284 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Queso Rice Layer:

• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup milk (optional, for creamier texture)

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef with onions and spices.
2. Mix in tomatoes and tomato sauce to create a savory beef base.
3. Combine cooked rice with queso, sour cream, and cheese.
4. Layer beef and rice mixture in a casserole dish.
5. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Queso Rice Layer

1. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice with queso dip, sour cream (or cream cheese), shredded cheese, and milk if desired.
2. Stir until creamy and evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
3. Spoon the queso rice mixture over the top and spread gently.
4. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of queso on top.
3. Serve warm with your favorite sides!

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the oven! This dish is filling on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh green salad or avocado salad
• Warm tortillas or tortilla chips
• Roasted vegetables
• A side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep lunches!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use leftover rice: Day-old rice works perfectly and absorbs the queso sauce better.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetable boost: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra texture.
• Don’t overbake: Bake just until the cheese is bubbly — overbaking can dry it out.
• Rest before serving: Let it cool slightly for cleaner slices and better texture.

Variations

1. Mexican Fiesta Version: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
2. Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake: Substitute cooked shredded chicken for ground beef.
3. Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
4. Spicy Queso Bake: Stir in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
5. Loaded Queso Bake: Top with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for crunch.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• You can also assemble the bake (before baking), wrap tightly, and freeze.

To Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Foil (for baking)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
Yes! Instant rice works great — just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the queso mixture.

Q2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3. What kind of queso should I use?
You can use store-bought queso dip (like Velveeta Queso Blanco or any Mexican-style cheese dip) or homemade queso made with cheddar and milk.

Q4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — just replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans.

Q5. My bake came out too dry — what happened?
You may have used too little queso or baked it too long. Add a splash of milk or broth to the rice mix next time for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Queso Rice Bake is the definition of creamy comfort food — cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight casserole that’s easy to make, loved by everyone, and freezer-friendly for busy days.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish delivers every time. The melty queso, the seasoned beef, and the tender rice combine into one delicious, comforting masterpiece that you’ll want to make again and again.