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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this comforting skillet meal comes together in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  6. Add uncooked rice, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over high heat (2-3 minutes).
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  9. Check rice: it should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook 2-3 more minutes covered, or uncover to evaporate excess liquid.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t rinse the rice; the starch helps thicken the liquid. Toast the rice briefly in the seasoned beef for extra nutty flavor. Keep heat on low once covered to prevent burning. Let the skillet rest 2-3 minutes after cheese melts for best texture. Doubles easily for crowds.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and rice skillet, cheesy skillet dinner, 20-minute dinner, one-pot meal, easy weeknight dinner, potluck recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-20-minute-dinner/