The “Potluck Legend” Queso Beef Rice
This version uses a “Two-Cheese” system: a liquid queso for creaminess and a shredded cheddar for that iconic “baked crust” finish.
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Yield | 6–8 servings |
🍴 Ingredients
- The Savory Base:
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 for maximum flavor)
- 1 Medium onion, finely diced
- 1 Bell pepper (any color), diced
- The Grains & Aromatics:
- 1 ½ cups Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) Taco seasoning (or a mix of cumin, chili powder, and salt)
- The “Queso” Liquid:
- 2 ½ cups Beef broth
- 1 jar (15 oz) White or Yellow Queso dip (store-bought “jarred cheese” works best here!)
- 1 can (4 oz) Diced green chiles (undrained)
- The Topping:
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. The Beef & Aromatic Render
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper halfway through. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are soft. Do not drain the fat yet!
2. The Rice Toast
- Push the meat to the sides of the pan. Pour the uncooked rice into the center.
- Stir the rice in the beef drippings for 3 minutes. You want the rice to look “toasted” and smell fragrant. Now, stir in the garlic and taco seasoning for 30 seconds.
3. The Liquid Merge
- Pour in the beef broth, the jar of queso, and the green chiles. Stir well to ensure the cheese dip is fully incorporated into the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
4. The “Set it and Forget it” Simmer
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- The Golden Rule: Do not lift the lid! You need that steam to cook the rice evenly.
5. The Meltdown
- Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar over the top. Put the lid back on for 2 minutes to let the residual steam melt the cheese into a gooey blanket.
The “Supper” Tip: If you are taking this to an actual event, stir in ½ cup of sour cream right before serving. It adds a tangy richness and keeps the rice “moist” even if it sits on a warming tray for an hour.