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Easy One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (Jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (shredded from block)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to brown, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and pepper softens. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat and let spices toast for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  8. After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. Check rice: it should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed. If still soupy, cook uncovered 2-3 minutes. If dry but rice hard, add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and cook 3 more minutes.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve directly from the pan.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for best texture; short-grain or instant rice will not work well. For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef skillet, one-pan meal, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef and rice, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-one-pan-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-recipe/