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Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the base: Return beef to the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Add diced bell pepper and stir for another minute.
  4. Add rice and liquid: Pour in the rice and stir for 30 seconds to toast slightly. Add beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Simmer the rice: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, remove lid and stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Add cheese: Turn off heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  8. Finish and serve: Gently stir to combine. If using butter, stir it in now. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents. Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps keep grains separate. Let the skillet rest covered after adding cheese for even melting. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, cheesy rice, 30-minute dinner

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-cheesy-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-one-pan-dinner/