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Quick Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal comes together in about 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup OR 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • For garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)
  • Hot sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir occasionally until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Spices and Liquids: Stir in smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds. Add Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup (or tomato sauce), and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the Rice: Stir in uncooked rice until evenly distributed. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer and Cook the Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Check rice for tenderness; if needed, cook 2-3 more minutes or add ¼ cup broth if dry.
  6. Add the Cheese: Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes until melted. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve directly from the skillet or spoon into bowls. Offer hot sauce at the table.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheddar. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef (add 1 tablespoon oil). Do not use instant rice. Use a 12-inch skillet for best results.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/quick-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/