Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice

When comfort food meets weeknight simplicity, you get Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice—a hearty, satisfying dish that’s both budget-friendly and family-approved. This one-pan wonder combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli florets with rich, melty cheddar cheese in every bite. The savory blend of textures and flavors hits all the right notes, making it an ideal go-to for busy evenings or casual gatherings.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—familiar, nourishing, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your preferences: swap in brown rice for added fiber, or toss in other veggies to suit what you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice

• It’s a complete meal in one pan: protein, carbs, veggies, and cheese.
• Family-friendly and kid-approved flavor profile.
• Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect for leftovers and reheating.
• Easily customizable for dietary needs or preferences.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

To prepare Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice efficiently, gather the following tools:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking everything in one place. Choose a non-stick or cast iron skillet for even heating and easy stirring.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and trimming broccoli. A sharp knife ensures precision and safety.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters when balancing flavors.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ground beef and rice without damaging your cookware.
• Grater (optional): For shredding fresh cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Lid for Skillet: Helps steam the broccoli and melt cheese evenly.

Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients before heating the pan. Dice the onion finely to distribute the flavor evenly, and cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets so they cook quickly and evenly. Use leftover or pre-cooked rice to save time—cold rice from the fridge works best as it prevents mushiness. Brown the beef thoroughly to develop flavor, draining excess fat if needed to keep the dish balanced. Finally, add the cheese last and cover the skillet to allow it to melt into the rice mixture without drying out the rest of the ingredients.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked or 2 cups cooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth or water (if cooking rice in the skillet)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, chopped parsley for garnish

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a leaner finish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Mix with the beef once softened.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Seasonings

Toss in the broccoli florets along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any additional seasonings. Stir everything to combine well.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid

If using uncooked rice, add it now along with the beef broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

(If using cooked rice, wait until after the broccoli is steamed to add it in. Simply reduce the liquid to 1/2 cup for steaming the broccoli.)

Step 5: Steam and Combine

With the skillet covered, let the broccoli steam until tender but still vibrant green—about 5-7 minutes. If needed, splash in a bit more broth to help create steam. Stir everything together once the rice and broccoli are cooked.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and rice mixture. Cover the pan again for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt. Stir gently to mix the gooey cheese throughout, or leave it on top for a layered look.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon onto plates and garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, satisfying meal!

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Notes

This recipe is ideal for weeknights thanks to its simple prep and minimal cleanup. Using pre-shredded cheese and pre-cut broccoli can shave off even more time. If you’re using leftover rice, just be sure to break up any clumps before adding it to the skillet so the cheese and flavors can distribute evenly. For a richer flavor, swap the beef broth with chicken or vegetable stock, or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the broccoli: It should be tender, not mushy. Add it at the right time and avoid oversteaming.
• Not draining the beef: Excess grease can make the dish heavy and oily.
• Skipping the lid: Covering the skillet is essential for cooking the rice and melting the cheese evenly.
• Using too much cheese at once: It can overpower other flavors and make the dish too dense.
• Undercooked rice: Always check rice for doneness and add a bit more liquid if needed.

Storage Instructions

Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the rice. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it first or add it directly to the pan and allow extra steaming time.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.

What type of rice is best?

Long grain white rice works best, but brown rice or jasmine rice are excellent alternatives.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and taste great.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, carrots, peas, or bell peppers are great additions.

What if I don’t have broth?

You can use water and add bouillon cubes or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice is a crowd-pleasing classic that combines savory beef, wholesome vegetables, and melty cheese into a single skillet masterpiece. With its flexible ingredients and easy method, it’s a perfect solution for fast dinners, leftovers, or meal planning. Whether you keep it simple or customize it to your taste, this comforting recipe is bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

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