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Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Recipe – Easy One-Pan Rice Dinner

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This cozy, cheesy ground beef skillet is a one-pan wonder packed with savory beef, tender rice, colorful veggies, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, it’s comforting, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Spoon off excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until soft and sweet, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in uncooked rice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Stir to coat the rice with beef juices and spices.
  4. Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 18–22 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover for 2 minutes to melt.
  7. Uncover and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Fluff gently with a fork to mix cheese throughout, or serve as is for a cheesy top layer. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If using brown rice, increase broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 30–35 minutes. For extra veggies, add peas, corn, or spinach. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth. Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based cheese for dairy-free. Rinse rice before cooking for best texture.

Nutrition

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

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