Easy Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls (Perfect for Meal Prep)
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These Easy Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls are the kind of meal that makes busy weeks so much easier. Seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy queso cheese come together in one skillet for a hearty meal prep recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you’re looking for a simple ground beef meal prep recipe that reheats well and keeps you full, these cheesy rice bowls are a great option. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and made with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Ground beef is one of my favorite ingredients for easy family meals because it’s affordable, versatile, and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for more simple dinner ideas, be sure to check out my Mexican Enchilada Casserole, Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff, and Easy High Protein Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese.
Table of contents
- Why I Love This Cheesy Beef Queso Rice Bowls Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls
- Best Toppings for Ground Beef Rice Bowls
- Easy Ground Beef Rice Bowl Variations
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Meal Prep Tips for Ground Beef Rice Bowls
- More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
Why I Love This Cheesy Beef Queso Rice Bowls Recipe
- Easy one-pan meal prep recipe
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for lunches or dinners
- Reheats well throughout the week
- Packed with protein and flavor
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need. Check the recipe card down below for more details.
- Lean Ground Beef – The hearty protein that makes these rice bowls filling and satisfying. I like using lean ground beef to keep excess grease to a minimum.
- Yellow Onion – Adds flavor and texture while helping build the savory base of the recipe.
- Taco Seasoning – A convenient shortcut that adds plenty of Mexican-inspired flavor without measuring multiple spices.
- Long-Grain White Rice – Cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Beef Broth – Gives the rice much more flavor than cooking it in plain water.
- Southwest-Style Corn – Adds sweetness, color, and a little extra texture to every bite. Regular whole kernel corn works well too.
- Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies – Adds moisture, flavor, and a mild kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
- Salsa Con Queso – The secret ingredient that makes these bowls creamy, cheesy, and completely irresistible.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese – Melts into the rice mixture for even more cheesy goodness. Colby Jack cheese is another great option.
- Green Onions – A simple garnish that adds fresh flavor and a pop of color before serving.
How to Make Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls
Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet or Dutch oven until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease if needed.
Season and Cook the Rice
Stir in the taco seasoning, water, garlic powder, rice, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in the corn and Rotel tomatoes until combined.
Make It Cheesy
Add the queso and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is hot and creamy.
Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions and your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips.
Best Toppings for Ground Beef Rice Bowls
Customize your bowls with:
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
Easy Ground Beef Rice Bowl Variations
Add Black Beans
Stir in one can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Make It Spicy
Use hot Rotel and top with sliced jalapeños.
Use Ground Turkey
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey to lighten things up.
Add Bell Peppers
Cook diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, allow the rice bowls to cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. If the rice thickens during storage, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
Absolutely. This recipe was designed for meal prep and reheats beautifully throughout the week.
Tostitos Salsa Con Queso works great, but any refrigerated or jarred queso dip will work.
Yes. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months for easy lunches and dinners later.
They’re mildly seasoned. For more heat, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños and hot sauce
Meal Prep Tips for Ground Beef Rice Bowls
These Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls are perfect for meal prep because they reheat well and stay flavorful throughout the week. Divide the mixture evenly among six meal prep containers and allow it to cool before sealing with lids.
For the best texture, store toppings such as sour cream, avocado, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips separately and add them just before serving.
Cheesy Beef Queso Rice Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 oz pkt taco seasoning
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) Southwest-style Corn, drained, or use whole kernel corn
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups Tostitos Salsa Con Queso
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, or Colby Jack
- 2 green onions, sliced
Directions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in corn, Rotel, queso, and shredded cheese.
- Continue stirring until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle with green onions.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips before serving.
- For extra protein, stir in one can of rinsed and drained black beans.
Nutrition Facts
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More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef is one of the most budget-friendly proteins you can keep on hand. If you loved these Easy Ground Beef Queso Rice Bowls, be sure to try some of our other easy ground beef recipes for busy weeknights and meal prep.
