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Cheesy Skillet Ground Beef Enchilada Rice Recipe Easy One-Pan Meal

cheesy skillet ground beef enchilada rice - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan meal combining ground beef, enchilada spices, rice, and cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (190g)
  • 1 to cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground beef, break it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 teaspoon chili powder, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly.
  6. Add 1 cup uncooked rice and stir to coat and toast slightly.
  7. Pour in 1 cup enchilada sauce and 2 cups beef broth or water. Stir gently to combine and scrape browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
  9. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender. If rice is not cooked and liquid is absorbed, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.
  10. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and the can of diced green chilies.
  11. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes with the lid on to meld flavors and set the rice.
  12. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Avoid stirring the rice too often during cooking to prevent mushiness. Use a heavy skillet to maintain even heat and prevent scorching. For melted bubbly cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely. Fresh spices improve flavor. Optional add-ins include corn, black beans, cilantro, jalapeños, or plant-based cheese for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy skillet, ground beef, enchilada rice, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food