Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (One-Pan)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 1 cup water; 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

A one-pan cheesy ground beef and rice skillet that combines seasoned ground beef, uncooked rice, and tomato sauce in a single skillet, finished with melted cheddar cheese for a complete, hands-off weeknight meal.

🌍American 🏷️Cheesy beef and rice 🏷️Skillet meal 🏷️One-pan dinner 🏷️Ground beef Rice

🏷️

🏷️Casserole

-0:00

southernfrugalmommaonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by southernfrugalmomma

-0:00

southernfrugalmommaonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 cup water
1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

13 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it is browned.
2
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, water, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
5
Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8
Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
9
Serve hot, optionally with a side of green beans.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef fully before adding rice to develop deeper flavor and prevent steaming.
Don't stir the rice frequently once liquid is added—this releases starch and makes it gummy. Stir only once at the beginning.
Rice is done when all liquid is absorbed and grains are tender but not mushy (about 20 minutes on medium heat).
Add cheese in the final 2-3 minutes off heat so it melts evenly without scorching the pan bottom.

Substitutions

Long-grain white rice → jasmine or basmati rice (similar texture and cook time)
Cheddar cheese → Mexican blend or Monterey Jack (melts similarly, adds different flavor profile)
Tomato sauce → salsa or pasta sauce (adjust liquid ratio if sauce is thinner)
Chicken bouillon → beef bouillon or 1 tsp salt (maintains savory depth)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.