Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 22 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

This cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is a quick, hearty one-pan dinner packed with comforting flavors. Featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice cooked in beef broth with diced tomatoes, and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family meals that come together with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Dry and Canned Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups beef broth

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese


Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Sauté Onions: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking briefly until fragrant.
  4. Toast the Rice: Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the beef and spices for about 1 minute.
  5. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  6. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas or corn, if using, evenly distributing them throughout the skillet.
  8. Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the skillet. Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve the cheesy ground beef and rice skillet hot.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey for ground beef to lighten the dish.
  • Add taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Use Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheeses for extra meltiness.
  • Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
  • Optionally, bake the skillet in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American