Print

The Best Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

easy cheesy beef and rice skillet dinner - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-skillet dinner with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to brown, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total. Spoon out excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
  3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Add the uncooked rice and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, check the rice. If still firm, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Let it melt for about 2 minutes without stirring.
  9. Gently stir to incorporate the melted cheese into the rice and beef. Be careful not to over-mix.
  10. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the dish rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to improve texture. Season gently at the beginning and adjust at the end to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/the-best-easy-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-dinner/