Print

Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

cheesy ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty one-pan meal with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra shredded cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the uncooked rice. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until rice turns slightly opaque and crackles.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and bay leaf. Stir well, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Add Vegetables and Cheese: Remove lid. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat. Let sit uncovered for 3 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Toast the rice for better texture. Use long-grain white rice (not instant). Keep the lid on during simmering. Shred your own cheese for best melting. For a make-ahead option, brown the beef and sauté aromatics up to a day ahead.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crowd-pleasing-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-recipe/