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Easy One-Pan Cheesy Beef Rice: Best Weeknight Dinner

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A quick and satisfying one-pan meal with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (do not rinse)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred, undrained)
  • 1½ cups (355ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir and cook until no longer pink, about 3 more minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 2 tablespoons for flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build flavor base: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Add liquids and rice: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add uncooked rice and stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Simmer and cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
  6. Add cheese: Remove lid. If rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  7. Fluff and serve: Gently fluff rice with a fork to mix in melted cheese. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during the 20-minute simmer to ensure rice cooks properly. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. For a spicy Mexican version, swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, cheesy beef rice, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/easy-one-pan-cheesy-beef-rice-best-weeknight-dinner/