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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Meal
When it comes to easy, comforting meals that can feed a family, a cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is hard to beat. This one-pan dish is loaded with flavor, combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese into a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, this skillet recipe is a winner.
Ingredients:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Break up the beef as it cooks, and drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Seasoning:
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is well coated with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine the spices evenly.
- Simmer the Rice:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir the skillet occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish the dish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve the cheesy ground beef and rice skillet hot, directly from the pan. It pairs well with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or even tortilla chips.
Tips for Success:
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe, but you can substitute with brown rice or jasmine rice. If using brown rice, be aware that it may require additional cooking time and more liquid.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Add-ins: This skillet is versatile, so feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans, to make it even heartier.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.
This cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is the perfect example of comfort food at its best. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this dish is a fantastic option. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this hearty skillet meal!
