Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

There’s something undeniably comforting about a one-pan meal, especially when it involves hearty ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the kind of dish that brings back childhood memories of cozy weeknight dinners at home. It’s simple, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for when you need something quick but satisfying.

This recipe is also great for busy weeknights because it comes together in just one pan, meaning fewer dishes to clean up! Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so you likely have everything you need already on hand. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this dish will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, grains, and veggies to keep you full.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Versatile – You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it starts to brown. Once the beef is about halfway cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Seasonings

Stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the rice toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes—this enhances the flavor and prevents the rice from getting mushy.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Stir everything together, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add the Peas and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted and gooey, give everything a gentle stir. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’d like. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful skillet meal straight from the pan!

Helpful Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you the best results.
• Toast the Rice – Stirring the rice in with the seasonings for a minute before adding liquid enhances the overall flavor.
• Make It Spicy – If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable Boost – Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Swap the Protein – Ground turkey or chicken would work just as well if you want a lighter option.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the skillet sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving to allow extra moisture to evaporate.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

(Nutrition info is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes and add extra broth if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this ahead and reheat it when needed. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with this?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for extra variety.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you liked this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, you’ll definitely enjoy these other easy and comforting meals:

• Ground Beef Stroganoff: A Comforting Classic for Any Night of the Week
• Native Jollof Rice (Iwuk Edesi)
• Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
• Beef Lombardi Casserole

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the ultimate go-to meal when you need something easy, hearty, and delicious. It’s packed with flavor, made in just one pan, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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