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Cozy 30-Minute Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir together for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Stir for about 1 minute until the rice is slightly toasted and smells nutty.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
  5. Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  6. Add the cheese: Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. Drop the cream cheese in small dollops over the top, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly. Cover and let sit off the heat for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove the lid and gently stir to incorporate the melted cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents. Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering. If using brown rice, increase broth to 2 1/2 cups and cook for 35-40 minutes. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-30-minute-cheesy-beef-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/