A comforting, high-protein one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features perfectly browned ground beef and tender long-grain rice simmered together in a savory beef broth to maximize flavor absorption. Finished with a decadent layer of melted cheddar cheese, this budget-friendly skillet delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction with minimal cleanup.
1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (85/15 ratio)
1 cup (200g) Long Grain Rice
2 cups (475ml) Low-sodium Beef Broth
1 cup (115g) Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 tsp (1.5g) Onion Powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until well-browned and no pink remains, ensuring a deep sear.
Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the beef.
Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover again for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly with residual heat.
Ensure the lid fits tightly to trap steam for even rice cooking. For a variation, stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.