Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-24T19:54:38.670Z

This savory Ground Beef and Rice Skillet combines hearty ingredients into one satisfying dish. Perfect for families and busy individuals alike, it’s a meal you can whip up in no time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy one-pan meal for busy weeknights
  • Flavorful combination of beef, rice, and spices
  • Minimal cleanup with only one skillet to wash

A Quick and Satisfying Meal

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can be challenging. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet offers a solution by combining wholesome ingredients into a single dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to serve up a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Whether you want to incorporate some leafy greens or swap out the beef for turkey or a plant-based option, the choice is yours. This adaptability makes it a great go-to recipe for families, accommodating various dietary preferences while still delivering that comforting, home-cooked flavor.

Flavorful Ingredients Come Together

At the heart of this dish is a delightful combination of ground beef, rice, and an array of spices that harmonizes beautifully. The richness of the beef complements the fluffy rice, while the addition of bell peppers and onions provides a wonderful texture and freshness. Garlic, paprika, and cumin infuse the dish with aromatic flavors, making each bite a savory experience. This balance of ingredients ensures that your meal is not only filling but also bursting with taste.

Using beef broth instead of water to cook the rice enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. The broth adds depth, making the rice richer and more satisfying. Moreover, the diced tomatoes introduce a touch of acidity that brightens the dish, ensuring that it doesn’t become too heavy. This thoughtful combination of ingredients is what sets this skillet meal apart, making it a favorite among families and busy individuals alike.

Effortless Cooking and Cleanup

One of the standout features of this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the minimal cleanup required. Cooking everything in a single skillet means you save time on both preparation and washing up. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants to do is tackle a pile of dishes. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of cleaning multiple pots and pans.

Additionally, the straightforward cooking method allows even novice cooks to feel confident in the kitchen. With simple steps to follow, you can easily whip up this dish, making it an excellent choice for those just starting their culinary journey. The ease of preparation encourages more home cooking, fostering a love for kitchen creativity while ensuring that you can serve healthy meals without stress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Add Ingredients

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Rice Skillet!

Storage and Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet stores beautifully. Simply let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

This meal is not only great for dinner but also makes for a fantastic lunch option. Pack a portion in a meal prep container, and you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal ready to go for work or school. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. This adds a fresh element to the meal and boosts the nutritional value. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet dish, making for a well-rounded dinner.

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider topping your skillet meal with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also add creaminess and balance out the spices. These simple garnishes can enhance the overall dining experience, making your meal not only tasty but also visually appealing.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice usually takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 cup uncooked rice
  3. 2 cups beef broth
  4. 1 onion, chopped
  5. 1 bell pepper, diced
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  8. 1 tsp paprika
  9. 1 tsp cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. 2 tbsp olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Step 02

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 04

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Rice Skillet!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 26g