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Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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This cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is a quick, easy, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a creamy, savory dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop browned bits. Cook for 6-8 minutes total until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add rice and seasonings: Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the rice and let it toast for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in liquids: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer until rice is tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. Check the rice; if still firm, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Dollop sour cream over the cheese if using. Cover and let sit for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts. For a bubbly top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve hot.

Notes

For best texture, use long-grain rice. If using brown rice, increase cooking time and add 1/2 cup more broth. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and skip sour cream. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

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

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