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Best Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner with ground beef, rice, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for cozy nights, this comforting meal comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (not instant)
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until deeply browned. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the rice and broth: Pour in the rice and stir to coat with the beef mixture. Add the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still firm, add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water, cover, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  7. Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. For a bubbly top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the top if desired. Serve straight from the skillet or spoon into bowls.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melting). Toast the rice in the hot pan for 1-2 minutes before adding broth for extra flavor. Resist the urge to lift the lid while simmering to ensure perfectly cooked rice. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, cheese, one-skillet, comfort food, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/best-cozy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/