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Cheesy ground beef and rice skillet with browned beef, tender tomato-seasoned rice, and melted cheddar cheese in one pan.

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Savory ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, garlic, and melted cheddar cook together in one skillet for an easy, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef preferably about 90% lean
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1¾ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Method
 

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into irregular crumbles and allowing it to brown.
  3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add onion and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add tomato paste and cook for approximately 1 minute.
  7. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  8. Add uncooked rice and stir to coat.
  9. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth.
  10. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  11. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low.
  12. Cook for 18–20 minutes without repeatedly lifting the lid.
  13. Check that the rice is tender. Add a little hot broth and cook longer if necessary.
  14. Remove from heat and rest for approximately 3 minutes.
  15. Gently stir 1 cup cheddar into the beef and rice.
  16. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar over the top.
  17. Cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
  18. Finish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Use regular long-grain white rice rather than instant rice.
Drain excess grease if using fattier ground beef.
Don't repeatedly stir the rice while it cooks.
Freshly grated cheddar gives the smoothest melt.
Add the cheese after removing the skillet from direct heat to reduce the chance of separation.
If the rice remains firm after the liquid is absorbed, add a few tablespoons of hot broth and continue cooking covered.