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Quick Cheesy Beef and Rice: Best 15-Minute Skillet Meal

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This quick cheesy beef and rice skillet is a weeknight lifesaver, combining ground beef, rice, and cheese in a one-pan meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking the meat apart, until browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes until grains are slightly translucent and coated.
  4. Pour in liquids: Add beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Check the rice: After 12 minutes, remove lid. If rice is still firm and liquid remains, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes.
  7. Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt.
  8. Serve immediately: Stir gently if desired, or scoop out in cheesy chunks. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Toast the rice properly for fluffy texture. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Resist stirring once liquid is added. Grate your own cheese for best melting. For variations, try Mexican style with cumin and black beans, Italian style with spinach and Parmesan, or spicy with jalapeño and pepper jack.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef and rice, quick skillet meal, 15-minute dinner, ground beef recipe, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/quick-cheesy-beef-and-rice-best-15-minute-skillet-meal/