Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Bake! This effortless one-pan meal combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a delightful blend of cheeses, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The simplicity of preparation ensures a tasty dish in under an hour, while the customizable ingredients allow for endless variations. Learn key cooking techniques and serving suggestions that will impress everyone at the table!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

3 cups beef broth

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.

Brown the Beef: Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Season the beef with salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Incorporate Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (be sure to include the juices for added flavor). Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly and cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Add Vegetables: After the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen corn and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Melt the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the beef and rice mixture. To achieve a delightfully melted cheese layer, either cover the skillet for a few minutes or place it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once your dish is ready, remove it from heat. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve the cheesy beef and rice skillet bake hot and enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 35 minutes | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve directly from the skillet on a rustic wooden board. Accompany the dish with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a hearty meal.