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Easy Cheesy One-Skillet Ground Beef and Rice

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A quick, comforting, and easy one-skillet recipe combining ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a delicious weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add ground beef, crumble it with a spatula, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice to coat it with the beef and spices, allowing it to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, stir once to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Remove lid, check rice tenderness, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit off heat for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. If rice is not fully cooked but liquid is gone, add a splash of water or broth and cover again for a few minutes. Stir gently once during simmering to avoid mushy rice. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, one skillet, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-cheesy-one-skillet-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe-for-quick-dinners/