One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice
A comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, hidden carrots and peas, melted cheese, and fluffy rice—all in one skillet for easy cleanup. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, grated carrot, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup, grated carrot
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Step 5: Mix in 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until peas are tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup cooked rice and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, then add 1/4 cup milk; cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until cheese melts and mixture thickens.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet with Rice?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
