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Quick Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet – Easy Family Dinner

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A quick, budget-friendly one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat. Add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer until rice is tender: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. Check the rice; it should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still firm, cook 2-3 more minutes.
  6. Add cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until melted. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Rest and serve: Let sit uncovered for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that affect melting). Do not lift the lid while rice is simmering. If rice is still crunchy after 20 minutes, add ¼ cup broth and cook 5 more minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and rice skillet, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, quick family dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-family-dinner/