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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting skillet meal comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 14.5 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred, undrained)
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if using lean beef. Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear. Stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes total.
  2. Add diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle paprika and oregano over the meat and onions, stirring to coat. Let spices toast for about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in rice until evenly distributed. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check rice after 18 minutes; it should be tender and have absorbed most liquid. If still firm, add a splash more broth or water, re-cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  7. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2-3 minutes to let cheese melt. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  8. Gently stir to incorporate melted cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the beef well to develop caramelized bits. Toast the rice briefly with the beef and onions before adding liquid for a nuttier flavor. Keep heat on low after adding liquid to prevent rice from cooking too quickly. Add cheese off the heat and cover to melt gently without becoming greasy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth for best texture. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, cheddar cheese, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, cheesy skillet

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