Description
A quick and comforting one-skillet dinner with ground beef, rice, peas, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Cook aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Sprinkle uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Stir for about 1 minute until the grains turn slightly opaque.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Add paprika, oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Add peas: Remove lid and gently stir in frozen peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a bubbly top.
- Rest and serve: Let sit uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. Serve straight from the skillet.
Notes
Use long-grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant rice. Shred your own cheddar for smoother melting. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure rice cooks properly. For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: easy cheesy beef and rice skillet, 20-minute dinner, ground beef skillet, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, cheesy rice, comfort food