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Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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A comforting one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, filling meal without complicated steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice, broth, and spices.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then break it apart and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total.
  3. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan. Set the beef aside.
  4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Add the rice, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil.
  7. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Check the rice after 18 minutes. If still firm, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes until melted. For a browned top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure proper steaming. For best melting, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after the cheese melts before serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/cozy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/