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Best Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Skillet Recipe

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This cheesy ground beef rice skillet is a quick, one-pan weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. It’s comfort food at its finest, featuring savory beef, tender rice, and a gooey melted cheese topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 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
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the beef drippings and onion mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice turns slightly golden and smells nutty.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Add the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check for doneness: After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still firm and there’s liquid left, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes. If the rice is tender but there’s excess liquid, leave the lid off and cook for 1-2 minutes to evaporate it.
  7. Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  8. Finish and serve: Uncover the skillet. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve directly from the skillet or spoon into bowls. Let it cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast the rice in the beef drippings before adding liquid for best texture. Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef rice skillet, easy weeknight dinner, one skillet meal, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, comfort food

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