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Easy One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Recipe (20-Minute Dinner)

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This one-pan cheesy ground beef skillet is a quick, 20-minute meal made with simple ingredients like ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes total. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. If using heavy cream, stir it in until fully incorporated. Let simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use 85/15 ground beef and shred your own cheese. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer before adding cheese. If too thick, add a splash of broth. Let rest 2 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, ground beef skillet, cheesy beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-one-pan-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-recipe-20-minute-dinner/