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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Skillet Recipe

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A one-pan wonder featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan; drain excess if needed.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add uncooked rice, beef broth, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove lid carefully. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still soupy, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra nutty flavor, toast the dry rice in the pan for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids. Do not lift the lid while simmering to ensure perfect rice. If rice is still crunchy after cooking, add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook 5 more minutes. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet, one-pan, cheesy, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/