There’s a special kind of magic in food served at church suppers. It’s warm, generous, and made to feed a crowd with love. Church Supper Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice is exactly that kind of dish—hearty, creamy, and comforting, with familiar flavors that bring people back for seconds. This is the kind of recipe you’d find bubbling away in a large casserole dish, surrounded by folding tables, laughter, and shared stories.
This dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, cheesy queso-style sauce into one satisfying, family-friendly meal. It’s filling without being heavy, simple without being boring, and perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meals. Everything cooks together beautifully, allowing the flavors to blend into a creamy, savory rice dish that feels nostalgic and deeply comforting.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Beef and Rice
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 240 g (1 cup) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 480 ml (2 cups) beef broth or chicken broth
For the Cheesy Queso Sauce
- 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 120 g (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small can (120 g / 4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Detailed Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6–8 minutes, until fully browned and no longer pink.
Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder while it cooks. If excess fat collects in the pan, carefully drain it, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
If using bell pepper or green chilies, add them at this stage and stir to combine.
3. Add Rice and Broth
Stir the uncooked rice into the beef mixture, making sure it’s well coated with the seasoning and fat in the pan. Pour in the broth and stir gently.
Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
4. Prepare the Queso Sauce
While the rice cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until fully dissolved.
In a separate saucepan over low heat, add the milk mixture and cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking.
5. Combine Everything
Once the rice is fully cooked, pour the warm queso sauce over the beef and rice mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
6. Taste and Finish
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Church Supper Cheesy Queso Ground Beef Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Warm dinner rolls or cornbread
It’s especially well-suited for buffets, potlucks, and family-style serving, as it stays warm and creamy for a long time.
