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Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

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A one-pan wonder featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy long-grain rice, and a blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This easy weeknight dinner comes together in under 40 minutes and is perfect for gatherings or busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 400g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), drained slightly
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 3 more minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Push beef and vegetables to one side. Add rice to the empty space and toast for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir everything together.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. If rice is still wet after 20 minutes, cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes.
  6. Add cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes until melted. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  7. Rest and serve: Let skillet rest uncovered for 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while simmering to ensure perfect rice texture. For a tighter seal, place foil over the skillet before adding the lid. Add cheese off the heat to prevent it from separating. To make ahead, prepare through step 5, then reheat gently and add cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy skillet, crowd-pleasing dinner

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crowd-pleasing-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/