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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

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A quick and delicious one-pan dinner featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite.

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
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is even better)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm up until it shimmers—about 30 seconds.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with your wooden spoon into small, even pieces. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice brown crust, then start stirring. Cook until no pink remains. Leave about a tablespoon of fat for flavor; drain excess if needed.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 minutes until it starts to soften, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for about a minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the liquids and rice: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the uncooked rice and stir until evenly distributed.
  6. Bring to a boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  7. Check the rice: After 15 minutes, remove the lid. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup water or broth, re-cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  8. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. For a browned top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If rice is still crunchy after 15 minutes and liquid is gone, add 1/4 cup more liquid and cook for 5 more minutes. Let the casserole rest for 2 minutes before serving to help it set.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-casserole-best-30-min-dinner/