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The Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

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This cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese in a creamy, satisfying one-pan meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan; spoon off excess if needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Push beef and onions to one side. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to empty space, then add uncooked rice. Stir rice in oil for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden and crackling.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and condensed tomato soup. Stir until soup is dissolved. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid frequently.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove lid and check rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most liquid. If still firm or too much liquid, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry but rice not done, add a splash more broth.
  7. Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over top. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the rice—it adds nutty flavor and prevents mushiness. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to meld. Adjust liquid as needed depending on stove and skillet.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/the-best-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/