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Easy One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet - featured image
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A comforting, quick weeknight dinner that combines ground beef, long grain rice, and sharp cheddar cheese in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup plain tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring frequently. Drain excess grease if necessary, then remove beef from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the rice slightly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer gently for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Check that rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Keep lid on. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and butter. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt and rice to finish absorbing moisture.
  7. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not stir the rice while simmering covered to prevent gumminess. Ensure heat is low enough for a gentle simmer. Use long-grain white rice only; brown rice requires different cooking times and liquid ratios. For best melting results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, beef and rice, weeknight meals, comfort food, easy skillet recipe, cheddar cheese, ground beef recipes

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