Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Delight
This Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Delight is a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef or pork with colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, all simmered together in a delicious tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. With a melty cheese topping that adds a wonderful creaminess, this dish has quickly become a favorite in my home—especially with my youngest son! It’s a nostalgic recipe I discovered in my beloved Better Homes and Gardens Low-Cost Cooking cookbook, and I can’t believe I didn’t make it sooner. Serve it up hot for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef or ground pork
1 lb (raw)
onion
1 medium (sliced into rings)
green pepper
1 medium (coarsely chopped (frozen is fine))
garlic
1 clove (minced)
medium grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (with juice)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
water
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, heat over medium heat.
2
Add the ground beef or pork, sliced onion, coarsely chopped green pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the rice, and cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the meaty mixture.
4
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, water, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6
Once done, remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet Delight?
It is a hearty one-dish meal combining ground beef or pork with vegetables, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
What type of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use one pound of either ground beef or ground pork for this skillet dish.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice needs to simmer, covered, for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until it is tender.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifies that frozen green peppers are perfectly fine to use.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe calls for one cup of uncooked medium grain rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the skillet?
No, the rice is added uncooked and simmers directly in the sauce and water mixture.
What size of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes do I need?
You will need a 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is designed as a one-dish meal prepared entirely in a single large skillet.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded cheese sprinkled on top at the end of cooking.
When should I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the rice is tender and the skillet is removed from heat, then cover for a few minutes to let it melt.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat after browning the meat with the onion, green pepper, and garlic.
What seasoning is used for the beef and rice?
The dish is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, and salt.
How much water is required for the rice to cook?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water to cook the rice along with the juices from the canned tomatoes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the description mentions it has become a favorite for children due to its comforting and cheesy nature.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe originated from the Better Homes and Gardens Low-Cost Cooking cookbook.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this skillet delight.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
While the recipe lists beef or pork, ground turkey can easily be substituted as a leaner option.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be sliced into rings before being added to the skillet.
Can I use brown rice instead of medium grain white rice?
You can, but you will likely need to increase the liquid amount and the simmering time significantly.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low for the simmering process.
Do I need to stir the rice while it simmers?
Yes, the instructions suggest stirring occasionally to ensure the rice is cooking evenly and not sticking.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is necessary to properly simmer the rice.
Is there any preparation needed for the garlic?
Yes, the garlic should be minced before being cooked with the meat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of water to keep the rice moist when reheating.
Does this dish contain any allergens?
This dish contains dairy (cheese) and Worcestershire sauce, which often contains fish (anchovies).
What is the purpose of browning the rice for two minutes?
Stirring the rice with the meat and vegetables for 2 minutes ensures it is well-coated and helps it develop a better texture.
Can I add more vegetables to this?
Yes, the recipe is described as adaptable, so you can easily add corn, peas, or mushrooms.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served hot immediately after the cheese has melted.
How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the skillet?
Coat the skillet with cooking spray before heating it over medium heat.
What are some good side dishes for this meal?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would complement this hearty one-pan meal well.