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Easy Cheesy One-Skillet Beef and Rice Casserole

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A quick and comforting one-skillet casserole combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
  • 1 ¾ cups (415 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, stirring often. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the drained diced tomatoes and mix well. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the rinsed uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir to combine, ensuring rice is evenly distributed and submerged.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, avoiding lifting the lid.
  7. Check if rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. If not done, cook a few minutes longer.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes off the heat using residual warmth.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

If rice seems dry before fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water and cover again to steam. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even rice cooking. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or skip cheese. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more broth. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: one skillet, beef casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, ground beef, rice casserole

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-cheesy-one-skillet-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-to-try-tonight/