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Quick Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the liquid: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer and cover: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm, add two tablespoons of water, replace the lid, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using sour cream, dollop it on in small spoonfuls. Cover the skillet again for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt into the rice.
  8. Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir to incorporate the melted cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while simmering to ensure the rice cooks properly. For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If the mixture looks dry before the rice is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water. If it looks too soupy when the timer goes off, remove the lid and let it cook for another minute or two uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, 30-minute meal, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner

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