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Ground Beef and Rice
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Ground Beef and Rice Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

An easy one-pan Ground Beef and Rice recipe made with lean ground beef, fluffy rice, tomatoes, savory seasonings, and melted cheddar cheese. A quick, family-friendly dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesy ground beef rice, easy beef and rice dinner, ground beef and rice, ground beef skillet, one pan ground beef recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 445kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice.
  • Lean ground beef (85–90%) reduces excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful.
  • Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup sour cream before adding the cheese.
  • Add vegetables like corn, peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Keep the skillet covered while simmering so the rice cooks evenly.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 445 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Potassium: 620 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Calcium: 220 mg
  • Iron: 3.8 mg
  • Vitamin A: 520 IU
  • Vitamin C: 6 mg