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Easy Cheesy One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

easy cheesy one-pan beef and rice skillet - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pan meal combining ground beef, long grain rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup (190g) long grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains and beef starts to brown, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Add uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the beef mixture. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Fluff rice gently with a fork, mixing some cheese through. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

Keep the lid on tight while simmering to ensure even cooking of the rice. Avoid stirring during simmering to prevent mushy rice. If rice is undercooked after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth and continue simmering. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives. Ground turkey can be substituted for beef to lighten the dish.

Nutrition

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