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–+ servings

California Style Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A one pan cheesy ground beef and rice skillet packed with veggies, Cheddar, and a California twist for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 694
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skillet
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean recommended
  • 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked, rinsed if desired
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced, any color
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with green chiles do not drain
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese about 4 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil California olive oil
  • to taste spices such as kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin

Method
 

Directions
  1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned all over, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and your chosen spices, then cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the rice and pour in the beef broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt.
  8. If desired, scatter fresh parsley over the finished dish and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 32gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 733mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g

Notes

For a more California-style finish, top each serving with diced avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Use a low sodium beef broth and check the salt before adding more because the tomatoes and cheese add enough.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you like, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
If the rice needs more time after 20 minutes, add a splash of beef broth, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a small splash of broth to keep it moist.
For a spicier version, choose hot diced tomatoes with green chiles or add cayenne with the other spices.
Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions just before serving.

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