There’s something about a creamy, one-pan dinner that just hits right—especially when it’s made with simple ingredients you already have on hand.
This creamy ground beef and rice skillet is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor from cream cheese, savory onion soup mix, and hearty diced tomatoes. It’s the kind of no-fuss meal that comes together fast but tastes like you spent all evening on it.
Other One Pan Dinners To Try:
Why This Version Is Better
- Cream cheese = ultra creamy texture
- Lipton onion soup mix = bold, savory depth
- Diced tomatoes = slight acidity to balance richness
- Still one pan, simple, and budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add:
- uncooked rice
- beef broth
- milk
- cream of mushroom soup
- diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Lipton onion soup mix
Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Stir in:
- cream cheese (in chunks so it melts faster)
- butter
- shredded cheddar cheese
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Cut cream cheese into cubes so it melts smoothly
- Stir halfway through cooking to prevent rice sticking
- If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor
This creamy ground beef and rice skillet is the kind of simple, cozy dinner everyone craves. Made in just one pan with rich cream cheese and savory flavors, it’s an easy go-to meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade.
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Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This creamy ground beef and rice skillet is a rich, one-pan comfort meal made with cream cheese, Lipton onion soup mix, and diced tomatoes. Easy, budget-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 cup milk
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
-
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
-
1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
-
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
-
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add rice, beef broth, milk, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and onion soup mix. Stir well.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender.
-
Stir in cream cheese, butter, and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
-
Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
Notes
-
Cut cream cheese into cubes for smoother melting
-
Add a splash of broth or milk if mixture thickens too much
-
Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra flavor
-
Stir once or twice during simmering to prevent sticking
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | ONE PAN, ground beef
- Method: SKILLET
- Cuisine: American
Easy Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning + top with sour cream
- Veggie Loaded: Stir in spinach, corn, or mushrooms
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack
Storage & Reheating
Freezer-friendly up to 2 months (best texture fresh)
Store in fridge up to 4 days
Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen
FAQ
Can I make creamy ground beef and rice ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in the fridge and add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice works best for even cooking and texture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a little extra cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
If you love easy comfort food that actually fills you up and keeps everyone happy, this creamy beef and rice skillet is one to save and make on repeat. It’s warm, hearty, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy nights, tight budgets, or whenever you just want something simple and satisfying straight from the skillet.
