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Lightened-Up Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet – Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes

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A lighter version of the classic cheesy beef and rice skillet, ready in under 30 minutes. This comforting one-pan dinner uses lean ground beef, a secret cottage cheese blend, and low-fat cheddar for all the creamy, cheesy goodness without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
  • 2 cups low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend the cottage cheese and milk in a blender until completely smooth (about 30 seconds). Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and uncooked rice. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and 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 soupy, cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. If dry but rice not done, add a splash of broth and cook covered for 2 more minutes.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture over the rice and beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is creamy.
  9. Let the skillet sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded. The cottage cheese blend is the secret to creaminess without heavy cream. Don’t lift the lid while the rice simmers to ensure even cooking. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, lightened up skillet dinner, easy weeknight dinner, 30 minute meal, healthy comfort food, one pan dinner

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/lightened-up-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-dinner-in-30-minutes/