Description
Looking for a cozy, one-pan dinner that’s fast, filling, and incredibly flavorful? This Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—featuring tender ground beef, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, great as a leftover, and easy to customize. Whether you need a quick dinner idea, a family-friendly weeknight favorite, or a protein-packed comfort dish, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. Ideal for meal prep, budget meals, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 1/4 cups beef broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it apart while cooking, then drain excess fat.
2. Push the beef aside and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Mix with the beef.
3. Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and stir well to combine.
4. Add uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
5. If using cooked rice, reduce broth to 1/2 cup. Let broccoli steam for 5–7 minutes covered, then stir in the cooked rice.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until melted.
7. Stir gently to combine or serve with cheese layered on top. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, and serve warm.
Notes
Use leftover rice to save time and prevent sogginess—just break up the clumps before adding.
Don’t skip covering the pan; it’s essential to steam the broccoli and melt the cheese evenly.
Swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 25 minutes
 - Category: Dinner
 - Method: Skillet
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
 - Calories: 430
 - Sugar: 2g
 - Sodium: 540mg
 - Fat: 24g
 - Saturated Fat: 10g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 11g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 30g
 - Fiber: 3g
 - Protein: 25g
 - Cholesterol: 70mg
 
Keywords: quick dinner, cheesy beef and broccoli, easy skillet meal