Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Imagine the savory aroma of perfectly seasoned ground beef and rice skillet wafting through your kitchen, promising a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pan wonder combines juicy ground beef with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this ground beef and rice skillet delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create a balanced, nutritious dinner that will quickly become a weeknight staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The ground beef and rice skillet is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it based on whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences. The combination of tender beef and fluffy rice creates a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite interesting.

You’ll appreciate how this dish strikes the perfect balance between being hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites while still incorporating plenty of vegetables for nutrition. The rich, savory flavors develop as everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the rice to absorb all those delicious beef juices and seasonings.

Perhaps best of all, this skillet meal requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single pan. From busy weeknights to lazy weekends, this beef and rice dish delivers maximum comfort with minimum fuss—exactly what you need in your cooking arsenal.

Ingredients

For this satisfying ground beef and rice skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef (85-90% lean works best)
• 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2¼ cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

The quality of your beef broth significantly impacts the flavor, so choose a good-quality brand or make your own. Using lean ground beef provides plenty of flavor without excessive grease, while the combination of spices creates that perfect savory profile that makes this dish irresistible.

Pro Tips

Use the Right Rice-to-Liquid Ratio
The secret to perfectly cooked rice in this ground beef and rice skillet is using the correct ratio of liquid to rice. For long-grain white rice, stick to the 2:1 ratio (2¼ cups of broth to 1 cup of rice in this recipe). If you substitute brown rice, you’ll need to increase both the liquid amount (to about 2½ cups) and the cooking time (15-20 minutes longer). Always let the skillet rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to fully absorb the remaining moisture.

Brown the Beef Properly
Don’t rush the beef-browning process. Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it develops a deep brown color with some caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan. This step creates the rich foundation of flavor for the entire dish. Break up the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks for the best texture throughout the skillet meal.

Layer Your Flavors
Build complexity by adding ingredients in the proper order. Start by sautéing onions until translucent before adding garlic (which burns easily). Bloom your spices in the oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids—this releases their essential oils and dramatically enhances their flavor. These small steps make a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor in your finished ground beef and rice skillet.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain all but about 1 tablespoon from the pan. The caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan are flavor gold, so don’t remove those!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the beef. Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This vegetable base adds essential flavor and texture to your ground beef and rice skillet.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Rice
Stir in the tomato paste and all the dry seasonings (chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the meat and vegetables. Add the uncooked rice and stir for another minute to toast it slightly, which helps maintain its texture during the simmering process.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the frozen corn, stir everything once, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid or stir during cooking, as this releases steam and can result in unevenly cooked rice.

Step 5: Final Touches
Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and helps the flavors meld. Fluff the ground beef and rice skillet with a fork, then taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and cover again for 2 minutes to allow it to melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Variations

Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef and Rice
Transform your ground beef and rice skillet into a fiesta of flavors by adding 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of diced green chilies, and replacing the regular paprika with smoked paprika. Just before serving, top with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice. This variation makes an excellent filling for burritos or as a topping for nachos the next day.

Mediterranean Twist
Give your skillet meal a Mediterranean makeover by substituting the chili powder and cumin with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and adding 1 cup of diced zucchini along with the bell pepper. Stir in ¼ cup of sliced kalamata olives and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar at the end. Finish with fresh basil instead of cilantro for an entirely different flavor profile while maintaining the ease and comfort of the original ground beef and rice skillet.

Veggie-Packed Option
For a nutrition boost, double the vegetables by adding 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking and incorporating 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions and peppers. This variation maintains all the hearty satisfaction of the original ground beef and rice skillet while significantly increasing the fiber and vitamin content.

Storage and Serving

This ground beef and rice skillet is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. For longer storage, portion the cooled skillet meal into freezer-safe containers, where it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or warm larger amounts in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.

For serving, try these suggestions to transform this versatile dish:

1. Serve in warmed flour tortillas with extra cheese and sour cream for quick burritos.
2. Spoon the mixture into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes for stuffed peppers.
3. Create a “bowl” meal by serving over a bed of shredded lettuce with your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and guacamole.

The ground beef and rice skillet pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra ¼ cup of broth. Brown rice will give your ground beef and rice skillet a nuttier flavor and more fiber.

Is it possible to make this recipe with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. Since turkey has less fat than beef, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning to prevent sticking and maintain moisture in the final dish.

My rice didn’t cook evenly. What went wrong?
Uneven cooking usually happens when the heat is too high or the lid doesn’t seal properly. Ensure you’re using a tight-fitting lid and maintaining a gentle simmer. Also, resist stirring during the cooking process, as this can release steam and disrupt the rice’s cooking.

Can I add different vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! The ground beef and rice skillet is incredibly versatile. Good additions include mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or diced carrots. Add harder vegetables like carrots earlier in the cooking process, and quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or peas in the last few minutes.

How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices, or include a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper. You can also serve the finished dish with hot sauce on the side to accommodate different spice preferences.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of savory beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables that come together in one pan to create a meal greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when time is short but you refuse to compromise on flavor or nutrition. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity and speed, but in how it brings everyone to the table excited for a home-cooked meal that satisfies on every level. Make this your go-to recipe when you need a reliable dinner win that delivers both convenience and comfort.

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