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

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This one-pan cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is pure comfort food, with tender rice, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor; drain excess fat if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (Jasmine or Basmati recommended; do not use instant rice)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted adds a lovely smoky note)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika if available)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a tiny kick)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor; shred it yourself for meltier results)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish; optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over—about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the rice and seasonings. Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Add the paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together for about 1 minute, letting the rice toast slightly in the pan.
  4. Pour in the liquids. Add the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice. After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully (steam is hot!). The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm, re-cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. If it looks dry but the rice isn’t done yet, add a splash more broth or water.
  7. Add the cheese. Once the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a glorious, gooey blanket.
  8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese for a pop of color. Serve directly from the skillet, spooning generous portions onto plates or bowls.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the rice for 1 minute before adding liquid—it helps keep grains separate. Resist stirring after adding liquid to avoid gummy rice. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese for easier serving. If the skillet looks too dry before rice is done, add ¼ cup broth or water; if too soupy, remove lid and cook on low to evaporate excess. For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese.

Nutrition

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

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