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Easy Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet Recipe in 30 Minutes

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This Easy Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that turns simple pantry staples into a warm, comforting dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and features savory ground beef, tender rice, and a gooey cheese finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 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 paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add ground beef. Break into small crumbles and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add rice and seasonings: Sprinkle uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
  4. Pour in liquids: Add beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer the rice: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: Remove lid carefully. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If rice is still firm, add a splash of broth, cover, and cook 2-3 more minutes. If liquid remains, leave lid off and cook 1-2 minutes to evaporate.
  7. Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt cheese. Then gently stir to distribute.
  8. Serve immediately: Spoon into bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Add sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant or short-grain rice. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure even cooking. For best melting, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth for best texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-cheesy-beef-rice-skillet-recipe-in-30-minutes/