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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet - featured image
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A quick, one-pot comfort food dish featuring savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of uncooked white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and rinsed rice. Stir well to combine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish absorbing liquid.
  8. Uncover and stir gently. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and fold it into the hot rice and beef until melted and creamy.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Do not use instant rice as it will turn to mush. Rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent gumminess. Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. If using brown rice, add an extra cup of broth and simmer for 40 minutes. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. For turkey, add a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-15-min-dinner/