When it comes to quick, hearty, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with a Ground Beef Rice Skillet. This one-pan wonder combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables in a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a perfect go-to option that delivers on both taste and convenience.
With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and only one pan to clean, this recipe is perfect for families, students, and anyone looking for an effortless meal without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Rice Skillet
1. One-Pan Convenience = Fewer Dishes
Nobody likes cleaning up a sink full of dishes after cooking. The beauty of this recipe is that everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means less mess and a stress-free cooking experience.
2. A Budget-Friendly Meal
Using affordable pantry staples like rice, ground beef, and canned tomatoes, this dish is a cost-effective way to feed a hungry family without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to stretch ingredients while still delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.
3. A Hearty and Balanced Dish
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also well-balanced. With lean protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and carbs from the rice, it provides the sustenance you need to stay full and energized.
4. Family-Friendly Flavors
This recipe is picky-eater approved! The mild yet rich flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to make it as mild or as bold as you like.
5. Easily Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can:
- Swap the protein for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Use different vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
- Make it cheesy with extra melted cheese on top.
- Spice it up with extra chili powder, paprika, or hot sauce.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Small onion (finely chopped) – 1
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Uncooked white rice – 1 cup
- Beef broth – 2 cups
- Diced tomatoes (undrained, canned) – 14.5 oz
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) – 1 cup
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice & Add Spices
- Stir in uncooked rice, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add Liquids & Simmer
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices), stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Vegetables & Beef
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and the cooked beef.
- Cover and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, until rice is tender and vegetables are heated through.
- Add Cheese (Optional) & Serve
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Cup)
- Calories – 390
- Protein – 24g
- Fat – 15g
- Carbohydrates – 37g
- Fiber – 4g
- Sugar – 4g
Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Rice Skillet
1. Use the Right Type of Ground Beef
A lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend) is ideal for this dish. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you use higher-fat beef, be sure to drain the excess grease after browning.
2. Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor
Before adding the broth, let the uncooked rice toast in the skillet for 1–2 minutes. This enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture.
3. Let the Rice Simmer Without Disturbing It
Once you add the broth and cover the skillet, resist the urge to stir. Keeping the lid on traps the steam and allows the rice to cook evenly.
4. Adjust the Spices to Your Taste
The seasonings in this dish are balanced, but you can easily adjust them to suit your preferences. If you love spice, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the chili powder.
5. Make It Extra Creamy
For a richer texture, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking. This adds creaminess and a subtle tang that enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef Rice Skillet
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with the right sides and toppings.
1. Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or green onions)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Avocado slices or guacamole
2. Side Dishes to Pair It With
- A crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up the juices
- Steamed vegetables for an extra dose of nutrients
- A side of black beans or refried beans for a Tex-Mex twist
Variations and Customizations
1. Make It a Mexican-Style Rice Skillet
- Add cumin, black beans, and a dash of lime juice.
- Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
2. Turn It Into an Italian-Inspired Dish
- Swap chili powder for Italian seasoning.
- Add Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side of marinara sauce.
3. A Healthier, Low-Carb Option
- Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Load up on extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
4. Make It Vegetarian
- Substitute ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a meat alternative.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Rice Skillet
This dish is great for meal prep and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
1. Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.
2. Freezing Instructions
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
2. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and requires extra liquid. Adjust the cooking time to about 30–35 minutes and increase the broth by ½ cup.
3. What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube.
4. How Can I Add More Vegetables?
Feel free to toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
5. Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even tofu.
Conclusion: A One-Pan Meal You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
This Ground Beef Rice Skillet isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight lifesaver. With bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and endless customization options, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to over and over again.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for an easy and satisfying dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
So grab your skillet, whip up this flavor-packed dish, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious!
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Flavorful Ground Beef Rice Skillet – A Simple Family Favorite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Ground Beef Rice Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. Packed with hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and bold seasonings, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—your new go-to dinner is here!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. - Toast the Rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and enhance the flavors. - Simmer the Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. - Add the Vegetables and Beef:
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the cooked ground beef. Cover and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are heated through. - Top with Cheese (Optional):
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes. - Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Rice Options: Brown rice or quinoa can be used, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
