Cheesy Beef Rice Skillet (Printer-Friendly Version)

A savory skillet layering browned beef, a three-cheese blend, and fluffy rice for a warm, satisfying meal.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g ground beef (80% lean)
02 - 185 g long-grain white rice
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Cheese Blend

05 - 60 g shredded sharp cheddar
06 - 60 g shredded mozzarella
07 - 20 g grated Parmesan

→ Sauce & Liquid

08 - 360 ml low-sodium beef broth
09 - 120 ml canned diced tomatoes, undrained
10 - 30 g tomato paste

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 tsp dried oregano
13 - 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into even pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef releases its juices and turns deep brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
02 - Reduce heat to medium and push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle long-grain rice over the aromatics, stir to coat each grain with oil and spices, and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan by stirring in diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato paste, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
04 - Add beef broth, bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the top. Cover and let residual heat melt the cheese for 3 to 4 minutes, or transfer to a preheated 190°C oven for 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Use a heavy-bottom skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
02 - Allow rice to absorb liquid slowly for fluffy texture; avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking.
03 - For richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the broth or finish with lemon juice just before serving.
04 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after melting cheese to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

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