Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is an easy, hearty dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, colorful bell peppers, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything comes together in one pan for a comforting family meal with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Season the mixture: Add the tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables.
4. Add the rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice and diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything together.
5. Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check occasionally and add a little extra broth if necessary.
6. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
7. Finish and serve: Remove from the heat and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet

• Use long-grain rice: It works well for a fluffy texture. Cooking times may vary with different rice varieties.
• Keep the heat low: Gentle simmering helps the rice cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.
• Choose freshly shredded cheese: It often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the seasoning: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Check the liquid: If the rice is still firm before the liquid is absorbed, add a small splash of broth and continue cooking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American-Inspired
• Cooking Method: Stovetop

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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Make this easy cheesy ground beef and rice skillet with bell peppers, savory seasonings, tender rice, and melted cheese. A delicious one-pan family dinner.