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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy One Pan Dinner

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A comforting one-pan dinner with ground beef, rice, and plenty of cheese, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onion is soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir for about 1 minute until lightly toasted and fragrant.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Add smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Bring to a simmer: Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove lid. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook covered for 2-3 more minutes or let sit uncovered to absorb excess liquid.
  7. Add cheese: Turn off heat. Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted. Adjust salt and pepper. If using frozen peas or corn, stir them in now.
  8. Top and serve: Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over top. Cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Toast the rice for 1 minute before adding liquid for better texture and flavor. Do not lift the lid while rice is simmering to ensure even cooking. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, one pan dinner, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy rice skillet, 30 minute meal, budget friendly dinner

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/