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Quick One-Pot Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This Quick One-Pot Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet is a fast, comforting dinner made in a single skillet with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati), uncooked
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Place a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted and foaming, add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add seasonings and tomato paste: Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens.
  4. Add rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat. Add the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Check the rice: After 15 minutes, remove the lid. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook 2-3 minutes more or add 2 tablespoons water if dry.
  7. Add cheese and finish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt. Alternatively, stir the cheese in for a creamier texture.
  8. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Scoop into bowls and enjoy hot.

Notes

Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier texture. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes after adding cheese for perfect melting. For substitutions: use ground turkey or chicken with extra oil; swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby; for dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese that melts well.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, cheesy beef rice, quick dinner, 30-minute meal, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/quick-one-pot-cheesy-beef-rice-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/