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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Skillet: Best 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and comforting one-skillet meal with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1.5 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. 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 softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the Rice and Liquids: Pour in uncooked rice, beef broth, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Check the Rice: After 18 minutes, remove lid and check rice. If still firm with liquid, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If tender with excess liquid, uncover and cook 1-2 minutes to evaporate.
  7. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes to melt.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let skillet rest uncovered for 2 minutes. Garnish as desired and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and do not lift the lid during simmering. Toasting the rice in the beef fat for 1 minute before adding liquid adds extra flavor. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet dinner, cheesy, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food

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