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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting skillet dinner comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (basmati or jasmine recommended)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly shredded recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total.
  2. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any remaining browned bits. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If needed, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes, or let sit uncovered for a minute if excess liquid remains.
  8. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir into the rice. Add the cream cheese (if using) and stir until melted.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. For a browned top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps keep grains separate. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure proper steam cooking. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, cheddar, one-pan, skillet, weeknight dinner, easy, cheesy

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-one-pan-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-with-cheddar/