This cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is the ultimate answer to the weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s a hearty, flavorful, one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for busy families. Imagine tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory aromatics all simmered together in a rich tomato-based sauce, then blanketed in a layer of glorious melted cheese. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a dish your family will ask for again and again.
Forget about dirtying a sink full of dishes. Everything in this ground beef and rice recipe cooks in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but it will be our little secret that it didn’t.
Why This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe Works
There are so many reasons to love this simple yet delicious dish. It’s designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.
One-Pan Wonder: From browning the beef to simmering the rice, every step happens in one skillet. This simple method saves you time on prep and cleanup.
Quick & Easy: With a total time of only 30 minutes, this is the ideal meal for those hectic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, a rich, seasoned sauce, and melted cheddar cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned goods, this meal is as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule. For another great budget meal, check out this comforting cabbage roll soup.
Let the rice simmer until it's perfectly tender and has absorbed all that delicious flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cheesy ground beef and rice skillet is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to pull together this incredible one-pan meal:
Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 85/15 or 90/10 to minimize grease.
Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic base that builds a deep flavor foundation.
* Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and color. We used a red bell pepper, but any color works.
Long-Grain White Rice: Make sure to use uncooked long-grain white rice, as other varieties have different cooking times.
Beef Broth: Provides the liquid needed to cook the rice and adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of petite diced tomatoes adds texture and a classic tomato flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato base.
Seasonings: A simple blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper is all you need.
How to Make The Perfect Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless one-pan dinner. The key is to layer the flavors and cook the rice perfectly within the sauce.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute. This toasting step helps the grains stay separate and absorb flavor.
Simmer Everything Together: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Rice: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks!
Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
If you enjoy hearty, comforting casseroles, you might also love our famous chicken broccoli rice casserole, a true fan favorite!
Building flavor starts with perfectly browned beef and softened veggies.
Tips for the Best Skillet Dinner
A few simple tricks can take your ground beef and rice skillet from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own block of cheese makes a huge difference.
Don’t Peek!: Keep the lid on the skillet while the rice is simmering. Lifting the lid releases steam, which can disrupt the cooking process and result in undercooked rice.
Let it Rest: After adding the cheese, letting the skillet rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
Choose the Right Skillet: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid. A 12-inch cast-iron or stainless steel skillet is ideal.
Easy Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables!
Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a little heat.
Add More Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, black beans, or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Switch Up the Cheese: Try a Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Tex-Mex Twist: Substitute the Italian seasoning with a tablespoon of taco seasoning and serve with sour cream, cilantro, and avocado. For another quick beef meal, try our Korean ground beef bowl.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This ground beef and rice skillet makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. It holds its shape well and cooks in the time allotted without becoming mushy. Avoid using instant rice or other varieties like brown rice or Arborio, as their cooking times and liquid requirements are different.
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, leaner alternative to ground beef. Simply substitute it 1:1 and follow the recipe as written. You may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning the turkey as it contains less fat.
The key to preventing mushy rice is to use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and not to overcook it. Make sure to keep the skillet covered with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat. Avoid stirring the mixture while it cooks, as this can release starches and make the rice sticky.
Yes, this is a great recipe for adding extra veggies. You can add 1 cup of frozen corn, peas, or drained black beans during the last 5 minutes of the simmering time. You could also sauté mushrooms or zucchini with the onions and peppers.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen the rice if it seems dry.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this easy and cheesy ground beef and rice skillet as much as we do! It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated ingredients or a lot of time to make a truly delicious meal. If you try it, let us know what you think in the comments below. For more amazing recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
This easy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
FL Recipes
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner! Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese.
In a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the grains. Add the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 22gFiber: 4g
Notes
Do not peek: Keep the lid on while the rice simmers to ensure it cooks evenly. Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheese for the best, smoothest melt. Variations: Feel free to add 1 cup of frozen corn or black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra texture and flavor.
Keyword easy dinner,ground beef and rice skillet,one pan meal
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
