Print

Quick Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet in 20 Minutes

quick cheesy ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-skillet meal with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting dinner fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works great)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, Jasmine or Basmati preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. Once cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Toast the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until it smells nutty and some grains turn slightly golden.
  4. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Add the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Add the beef and cheese: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, then sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2 minutes off the heat.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Toast the rice in the beef drippings for a nutty flavor. Grate your own cheddar cheese for smoother melting. Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers. For brown rice, increase broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, quick dinner, one skillet meal, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy rice, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/quick-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-in-20-minutes/