This Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner you can count on! It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes! Everything cooks in one skillet, from the seasoned ground beef to the tender rice and broccoli. Then it’s finished with two kinds of melty cheddar cheese for a dinner that is easy to make and even easier to love! I could gobble this up any time! If you are craving more easy, comforting dinners, my Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a must-try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: I used ground beef for this recipe, but you can certainly try other kinds of meat! Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for other delicious options. Season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes, or crushed red pepper, add mild heat (not too spicy at all) to the dish and balance the rich flavors. If you prefer no spice, leave them out. Or, if you want more of a kick, add more to taste!
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds tasty flavor and moisture to help the rice cook perfectly and make the meal more delicious. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with some beef bouillon or seasoning instead.
- Rice: Rice makes the meal filling and soaks up all the delicious flavors. You can also use brown rice, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. So, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.
- Broccoli: Look for 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets to add a nice pop of color, crunch, and healthy vitamins to your dish.
- Cheese: I love broccoli and cheese, so I couldn’t leave out the cheese in this beef broccoli and rice skillet. I used both sharp white cheddar and mild cheddar cheese. You can swap in your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick. Just pick cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy, cheesy texture.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli In This Rice Skillet?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this cheesy beef and rice skillet. Just add the frozen broccoli a little earlier while cooking so it has time to thaw and cook fully without making the dish watery. Using frozen broccoli is a convenient and easy way to enjoy this one-pan meal at any time.
Can I Make Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet Without Cheese?
Yes! You can make the cheesy beef broccoli and rice skillet without cheese. It will still be flavorful and hearty. To keep it creamy, try adding a little extra broth or a splash of milk or cream while cooking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
You can easily add more vegetables to beef broccoli and rice skillet for extra flavor and nutrition. Try bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, peas, corn, or leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just make sure they’re chopped small so they cook evenly with the rest of the dish.
How To Store and Reheat Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet
To store, first, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Freeze Ground Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet?
Yes, you can freeze cheesy beef broccoli and rice skillet! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot and bubbly.
Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) beef broth
- 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups (273 g) chopped broccoli florets
- ¾ cup (85 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup (85 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Once no longer pink, drain excess grease, if needed.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly coat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, stir in the chopped broccoli. Cover and continue to simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- In a small bowl, combine the white cheddar and mild cheddar cheese.
- Stir in half of the cheese mixture until melted and fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is quick, filling, and flavorful! I love it!
Elizabeth
I love a one-skillet meal, and this is delicious! You get your protein and vegetables in one dish!
Annabelle
Even if you are not a fan of broccoli, you might still love this dish. It is simple, but tasty.
Stephanie
This is a great way to sneak in some broccoli to your diet! It is really good!
Bella
I love the cheesy rice and beef. And, the leftovers are super good, too!
