Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: A Quick and Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, hearty dish that comes together in just 30 minutes using a single pan. The combination of tender rice, savory ground beef, and flavorful seasonings makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it with vegetables, different spices, or cheese to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas or bell peppers (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Rice

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rice and stir well, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If using frozen vegetables, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin, and use diced green chilies instead of Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy Comfort: Mix in ½ cup of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
• Healthier Version: Use brown rice (increase cooking time to 40 minutes) and substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Servings and Cooking Time

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure to stir the rice well after adding the broth and keep the heat low while simmering. Using a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan also helps.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, but reduce the broth amount to 1 cup and cook for only 10–12 minutes, or according to package instructions.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients (except cheese) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

What vegetables can I add?

Peppers, peas, carrots, spinach, and zucchini work well in this dish. Add them based on their cooking times—softer vegetables later, firmer ones earlier.

Can I make this with cauliflower rice?

Yes! Reduce the broth to 1 cup and cook for about 10 minutes, as cauliflower rice cooks much faster than regular rice.

What’s the best ground beef to use?

A lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works well to minimize excess grease while still providing flavor.

Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Absolutely! It may slightly alter the flavor, but both options work well.

How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra black pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and confirm that all other ingredients are safe.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet and simply double all the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking times.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a fantastic one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as-is or with a cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

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