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Easy One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Rice (Best 30-Minute Dinner)

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This Easy One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Rice is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in one skillet in about 30 minutes. Tender rice, savory ground beef, and a silky cheese topping make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 ground chuck recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)
  • 1.5 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (55g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet (12-inch with lid) over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if more than 2 tablespoons remain.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir constantly for 2 minutes until edges look translucent and rice clicks against the pan.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Simmer the rice: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: Remove lid carefully. Taste a few grains from the top; they should be tender but still have a slight bite. If still crunchy, add 2-3 tablespoons water or broth, cover, and cook 3-5 more minutes.
  7. Add the cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar and all of the Monterey Jack over the rice mixture. Gently stir until mostly melted. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

Toast the rice in beef fat before adding liquid for nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Add cheese in two stages: some stirred in for creaminess, some on top for gooey finish. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Do not lift the lid during simmering. Let rest off heat for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

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

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