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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Skillet: Best 30-Minute Dinner

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This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work well)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet (12-inch/30cm) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Let it sit for a minute or two between stirs to get a good sear.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. If there’s excess fat (more than 1 tablespoon), spoon some out.
  3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Add the rice and broth: Stir in the rice and let it toast for about 30 seconds. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Add the cheese: Remove the lid. If there’s still a little liquid, let it cook uncovered for a minute or two. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for about 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the skillet sit uncovered for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If rice isn’t tender after 18 minutes and liquid is absorbed, add ¼ cup more broth or water, cover, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-30-minute-dinner/