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There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm, hearty meal that can be prepared in just one pan. The appeal of a skillet meal lies not only in its simplicity but also in the way it brings together a myriad of flavors and textures that leave you feeling satisfied and content. Growing up, my mother often turned to skillet meals on those busy weeknights when time was of the essence but the desire for a delicious family dinner remained. Those magical moments in our kitchen, where everything came together seamlessly in a single pot, filled our home with tantalizing aromas and the promise of a fulfilling meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Discover the heartwarming delight of a cheesy ground beef rice skillet. This one-pan wonder combines seasoned beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to make and versatile, this dish lets you customize ingredients based on pantry staples, ensuring a satisfying and hearty experience for the whole family. Relive fond memories of cozy dinners while enjoying this simple yet flavorful recipe. Perfect for meal prep or a delightful dinner, it’s a must-try!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup frozen corn

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: sliced jalapeños for topping

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from being greasy.

    Add Onions and Garlic: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

      Incorporate Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice to the beef mixture, ensuring that the rice grains are evenly coated with the flavors from the beef and onions. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.

        Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth along with the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir in the frozen corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine all the ingredients.

          Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

            Cheese it Up: When the rice is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into the dish.

              Garnish & Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice and cheese mixture gently. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and, if desired, top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Serve the dish hot and delight in the cheesy goodness of your ground beef rice skillet!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings

                  Optional Presentation Tips: Consider serving the skillet directly from the pan for a rustic look or scoop out portions onto plates and garnish with an extra sprinkle of cheese and cilantro for a vibrant appeal!