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Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

easy cheesy beef and rice skillet - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, jasmine or basmati)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. 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 uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until edges look translucent.
  4. Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, and beef broth. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. After 18 minutes, check rice for tenderness. If still firm, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes. If dry, add a splash of broth or water.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef, shred cheese from a block, and do not lift the lid while rice simmers. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, cheesy beef rice, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe