Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Comfort Meal

Introduction

Few recipes hit the sweet spot between hearty comfort and weeknight simplicity quite like this Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet. It’s a one-pan wonder where tender steak meets fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese—all ready in under an hour. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you crave a satisfying meal without a sink full of dishes.

Why Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet is a Weeknight Winner

What sets this skillet apart is the beautiful melding of savory steak juices into the rice, creating a depth of flavor that’s both rich and deeply comforting. The finishing touch of cheese takes it over the top, making it kid-friendly and perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s a practical way to use up leftover steak or rice while creating a dinner everyone will look forward to.

Cooking the Perfect Steak for Your Skillet

Start by selecting a steak that suits your taste—sirloin or flank work beautifully. Sear quickly in a hot pan for maximum flavor, cutting into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish. Let the steak rest while you cook the rice and vegetables, so every bite stays tender and juicy.

Layering Flavors for Maximum Comfort

Sautéing onions and peppers brings natural sweetness, while a touch of garlic and paprika enhances the steak’s savory notes. Simmer everything together with long-grain white rice and broth, letting the rice absorb all the goodness. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for an utterly irresistible skillet supper.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet

Serve this skillet straight from the pan, family-style, for a rustic touch. Pair with a fresh green salad or simple steamed broccoli to balance the meal. A dollop of sour cream or a scatter of sliced green onions adds brightness to each hearty serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous portions. Each serving is approximately 500–600 calories (depending on steak cut and cheese amount), making it a hearty main that needs little else on the side.

Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet (Recap)

A one-pan meal that’s big on flavor yet simple in preparation, this recipe is bound to become a weekday staple. The combination of savory steak, creamy melted cheese, and tender rice delivers comfort food at its finest.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and smart weekly meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear 2–3 minutes, until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove steak to a plate and set aside.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains in aromatic oil and veggies.
4. Pour in beef broth, scraping any browned bits off the skillet for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid has nearly absorbed.
6. Return steak and any juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes, until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot, with optional sour cream or sliced green onions.

Weekly Meal Planning

Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet is ideal for meal prepping—just reheat gently to keep the cheese creamy and the steak tender. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your menu for the week and generate a smart, consolidated shopping list that includes everything you need for all your planned recipes.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals and combines ingredients across chosen meals
• Sorts your shopping list by store aisle for speed and convenience
• Reduces unnecessary purchases and prevents missing key items
• Allows for effortless weekly meal planning with zero guesswork

Pro tip: Schedule your week’s meals to see exactly how your ingredients overlap and optimize your shopping list even further. For example, if this dish and another planned recipe both use bell peppers, CookifyAI will add up the total you need—helping minimize both overshopping and food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the ultimate in comfort and convenience with this easy, crowd-pleasing Cheesy Steak and Rice Skillet—your new go-to weeknight favorite!