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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet in 20 Minutes

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A quick and satisfying one-skillet dinner with perfectly browned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup, this pantry-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Shake off excess water and set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly toasted.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, then add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, and stir. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 15 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If still crunchy, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes. If done but with excess liquid, leave the lid off for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes to melt. Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and creamy.
  9. Let the skillet rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the rice to avoid a sticky texture. Let the beef brown properly for maximum flavor. Shred your own cheese for the best melting results. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent hot spots. Trust the lid and avoid peeking during simmering. Season in layers for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, cheese, skillet dinner, quick dinner, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, cheesy rice, beef and rice

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-in-20-minutes/