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The Best Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a gooey melted cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it sit for a minute to develop a crust. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes), then transfer beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to drippings and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir for about 2 minutes until grains look slightly translucent at the edges.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Return beef and simmer: Add browned beef back to skillet. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove lid and check rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most liquid. If still crunchy, add ¼ cup more broth or water, cover, and cook 3-5 more minutes.
  7. Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts. For a browned top, broil 1-2 minutes.
  8. Finish and serve: Dot with butter if desired. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Toasting the rice before adding liquid is crucial for texture. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure proper steam cooking. This dish can be made ahead and reheats well; add a splash of broth when reheating. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef rice skillet, one-pan dinner, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free dinner, crowd-pleaser

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