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

30-minute cheesy ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute recipe delivers comfort food without the fuss.

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 (Jasmine or Basmati preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a good sear, then break into smaller pieces. Cook until browned, about 3-4 more minutes.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle uncooked rice over the beef mixture. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the rice slightly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. After 18 minutes, remove the lid. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If rice is still firm, add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and cook 2-3 more minutes.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For a crispy cheese top, broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Long-grain rice is crucial to avoid mushiness. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/30-minute-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/