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Cozy 20-Minute Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and comforting one-pan dinner made with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Push beef to one side, add diced onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly. Then add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. After 15 minutes, check rice for tenderness. If still firm, add ¼ cup extra broth or water, cover, and cook for 3-5 more minutes.
  6. Once rice is cooked, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Toast the rice for a nutty flavor. Don’t over-stir once liquid is added to avoid gummy rice. Shred cheese from a block for best melting. Let the skillet rest after adding cheese for better texture. For brown rice, increase cooking time to 30-35 minutes and add extra broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/cozy-20-minute-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/