One-Pan Cheeseburger Rice
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Rice is a quick and comforting family meal.Seasoned ground beef provides a rich and savory base.Tender rice cooks directly in the flavorful beef mixture.Tomatoes, onions, and seasonings add delicious depth.Melted cheddar cheese creates the classic cheeseburger finish.Everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Stir the uncooked rice into the beef and onion mixture. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute while stirring. This brief step helps coat the rice with the savory beef flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often because this allows steam to escape and can affect the rice's cooking time.
- Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, green onions, or a drizzle of burger sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while keeping plenty of flavor.
- Do not rinse the rice if you want the finished dish to have a slightly creamy texture.
- Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks so the steam stays trapped inside.
- Check the rice near the end of cooking because different varieties can require different cooking times.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melting and best texture.
- Drain excess beef grease if your ground beef produces a lot of fat.
- Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your preferred cheeseburger flavor.