Print

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

ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

This quick and easy one-skillet dinner features savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a flavorful tomato broth. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1.5 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics: dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the rice, broth, and spices. Shred the cheddar cheese.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a good sear, then cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle uncooked rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef and onion mixture. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
  5. Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring to a strong simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still soupy, cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes. If rice is still hard, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  8. Once rice is perfect, remove pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey. Stir gently to incorporate or leave on top for presentation.
  9. Let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use long-grain white rice (not instant). Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering. For a crispy cheese edge, leave some cheese around the perimeter of the pan before covering to melt. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet dinner, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

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