Description
A quick, comforting weeknight meal that combines browned ground beef, long-grain white rice, and sharp cheddar cheese in a single skillet. It requires minimal cleanup and takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1.5 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil (optional, if beef is not fatty enough)
Instructions
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Break beef into small crumbles and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and spices are toasted.
- Pour in uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Ensure rice is submerged in liquid.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt the cheese using residual heat.
- Gently stir to incorporate cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not stir the rice while simmering to prevent gumminess. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor. If using leaner beef like turkey or chicken, add extra broth. Do not freeze if cheese is already added, as texture may suffer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one skillet, ground beef, rice, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy recipe, 20 minute meal