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Easy One Pan Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan meal with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting skillet dinner comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 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
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add rice and seasonings: Sprinkle uncooked rice over beef and onion. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the rice slightly.
  4. Pour in liquids: Add beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove lid. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still soupy, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry, add a splash of broth or water.
  7. Add cheese: Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve straight from the pan.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting). Let cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before adding. Avoid instant rice; long-grain white rice works best. Do not stir once rice is cooking to prevent gumminess. To add vegetables, stir in 1 cup frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-one-pan-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/