Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

When you need a quick dinner that the whole family can enjoy, this Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet is hard to beat. Ground beef, rice, corn, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese come together in one skillet for a hearty meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

This easy ground beef and rice recipe is especially handy for busy weeknights because it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients and only dirties one pan. It’s also a great way to use leftover cooked rice!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

This is one of those simple dinners worth keeping in your regular meal rotation.

Ready in about 30 minutes
Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients
Great for using up leftover rice
Family-friendly and filling
Easy to customize with different vegetables or cheeses

Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup chicken or beef broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and completely cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Add the cooked rice, frozen corn, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until everything is heated through and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy!

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

One of the best things about this ground beef and rice skillet is that you can use whatever cooked rice you already have. White rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice can all work.

Leftover rice is especially convenient because there’s no need to cook another pot of rice before starting dinner.

Easy Ways to Customize It

This cheesy beef skillet is easy to change depending on what you have in the refrigerator or freezer.

Try adding peas, diced bell peppers, broccoli, or mixed frozen vegetables. You can also swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican-style cheese blend.

For a little extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika, chili powder, or your favorite seasoning blend.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef & Rice

Since this recipe already includes beef, rice, corn, and cheese, it can easily be served as a complete meal on its own.

If you’d like something on the side, pair it with green beans, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat. If the rice seems a little dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of broth before reheating.

A Quick Ground Beef Dinner for Busy Nights

This Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet is a great recipe for nights when you need something quick, filling, and uncomplicated. With seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and lots of melted cheddar, you can have a comforting family dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

And with everything made in one skillet, cleanup is just as easy as dinner!