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Easy Cheesy Rice and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

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A quick and satisfying one-skillet meal combining ground beef, long-grain white rice, and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190g)
  • 2 cups beef broth (480ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170g)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in 1 cup long-grain white rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to add a nutty flavor.
  5. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet tightly with a lid, and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to allow rice to steam properly.
  7. Check rice for doneness after 20 minutes. If tender and liquid absorbed, proceed; if not, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let stand off heat for 5 minutes to melt cheese into creamy pockets.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Scoop into bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer to ensure fluffy rice. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness but leave a little for flavor. Add cheese off heat and let it melt gently under the lid to avoid toughness or oiliness. If rice sticks or burns slightly, stir in a splash of broth or water before adding cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-cheesy-rice-and-ground-beef-skillet-dinner-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-meals/