Print

Kid-Approved Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Skillet: Easy Dinner

cheesy ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A one-pan wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes, this cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a gooey cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder over the mixture. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Add the rice and liquids: Pour in uncooked rice and stir to coat. Add beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer the rice: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  6. Check the rice: Remove lid carefully. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook 2-3 minutes more or leave lid off to evaporate excess liquid.
  7. Add the butter and cheese: Turn off heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Stir gently to incorporate cheese or leave layered. Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese to avoid graininess. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Let cheese melt off the heat to prevent separation. If rice seems undercooked, add a couple tablespoons of water and cook 3-4 minutes more.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evadinnerideas.com/kid-approved-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-dinner/