One Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice

What gets you the most excited - cheesy dishes? One pot dishes? Beefy dishes? How about a cheesy, one-pot, beef and rice dish that also boasts tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, onion, and garlic? Oh, and it's ready in less than 30 minutes! I think I checked all the boxes (and least MY boxes are checked). And, I bet you have everything in your fridge and pantry already.

Why this ingredient medley? Here's a quick back-story. If you search for "ground beef and rice" recipes, what you find is mostly Mexican-inspired dishes (seasoned with chili powder, cumin, cilantro, and Mexican cheese blends). Many use a packet of taco seasoning and call it a day (not that I have a problem with that). But that got me thinking... Why not an Italian-inspired dish? Italians eat rice too. So there it is - my Italian-inspired skillet dish that's insanely flavorful and uber satisfying (I know this because my boys took one bite and said, "Oh wow..." and they taste new things every day).  Prepare to be amazed at how good this is, with so little effort on your part.

I hope you try this, and if you do... please tell me about it!

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Rice

1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups beef broth
15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup rice (I used traditional long grain white rice)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, optional

Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. If necessary, drain away any fat and return the beef to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the oregano is fragrant. Add the broth, tomato sauce and rice and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fold in the parmesan cheese. Top with the mozzarella cheese, remove the pan from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Serves 4