One-Pot Cheesy Beef Rice

Featured in: One-Pan Comforts

This one-pot dish combines browned ground beef with sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic, simmered alongside long-grain rice and diced tomatoes in savory beef broth. Once tender, it's topped with melted cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy finish. Easily customizable with different meats or vegetables, it offers a simple, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and convenient.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:10:00 GMT
One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice cooked with melty cheddar cheese and colorful veggies.  Save to Pinterest
One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice cooked with melty cheddar cheese and colorful veggies. | chomzo.com

A comforting family-friendly dish featuring tender ground beef fluffy rice and plenty of melty cheese—all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

This dish has become a staple in my home especially on busy weeknights when I want something hearty and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium finely diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 medium diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g) rinsed
  • Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can undrained
  • Cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (170 g) shredded
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp (or to taste)
  • Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: ⅛ tsp optional for heat
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven brown the ground beef over medium-high heat breaking it up with a spoon Drain excess fat if necessary
Step 2:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper Sauté for 34 minutes until softened
Step 3:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 4:
Add the rinsed rice beef broth diced tomatoes with juice paprika oregano salt black pepper and cayenne if using Mix well
Step 5:
Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed
Step 6:
Remove from heat sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top Cover and let stand for 5 minutes allowing the cheese to melt
Step 7:
Fluff gently with a fork garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot
Comforting One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice garnished with fresh parsley on the table.  Save to Pinterest
Comforting One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice garnished with fresh parsley on the table. | chomzo.com

This recipe always brings my family around the table especially when we share stories after a long day.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy cheddar cheese May contain gluten if using non-certified broth or spice blends—check product labels No common nuts eggs or soy but always verify ingredient sources

Nutritional Information

Calories 510 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 32 g per serving

Delicious One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice served hot, perfect for family dinners. Save to Pinterest
Delicious One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice served hot, perfect for family dinners. | chomzo.com

This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Common Questions

Can I substitute the beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives while retaining great flavor.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar adds sharpness, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella provide creamy, mild options.

How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly?

Simmer covered over low heat and check that most liquid is absorbed before topping with cheese.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, frozen peas or corn can be stirred in with the rice for extra color and nutrition.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using certified gluten-free broth and seasonings keeps this dish gluten-free.

One-Pot Cheesy Beef Rice

A comforting one-pot dish blending tender beef, rice, and melty cheddar for effortless, hearty meals.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Time Needed
40 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Gluten

Required Ingredients

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
02 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
02 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Dairy

01 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon paprika
02 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
03 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
04 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Brown the beef: Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine remaining ingredients: Add rinsed rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 05

Simmer mixture: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 06

Melt cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Gently fluff with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese).
  • May contain gluten if non-certified broth or seasonings are used; verify product labels.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 510
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 32 g