Print

Quick Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

cheesy beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

This one-skillet dinner combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (jasmine or basmati preferred)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (shredded from a block)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to form a brown crust.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  4. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds.
  5. Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Stir together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still firm, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, shred cheddar from a block to avoid anti-caking agents. Don’t lift the lid during simmering to ensure even rice cooking. Let the skillet rest after adding cheese for better texture. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/