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Best One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Recipe for a Crowd

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A hearty, one-pan cheesy ground beef skillet that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This comforting dish features seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a bubbly cheese topping, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and both bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers start to soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it up into nickel-sized crumbles. Let it brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before stirring.
  4. Season the beef with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still crunchy, add 2 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden brown top, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Don’t rush the browning of the beef—let it sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep caramelized crust. If the skillet seems too liquidy after rice is cooked, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes. If too dry, add a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ground beef, cheesy, skillet, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner, comfort food

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