If you’re after a comforting, hearty dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly, this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet will be your new weeknight hero.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a complete meal cooked in one pan — tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and colorful vegetables all simmered together in a savory tomato and broth-based sauce.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort (and minimal cleanup!). It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and all the flavor.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have at home.
- ✅ Customizable – Adjust the seasonings, veggies, or proteins to suit your family’s tastes.
- ✅ Nutritious and Filling – A balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.
- ✅ Perfect Leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and breaking up beef)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Can opener (for diced tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or substitute chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is browned evenly. - Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir frequently and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step helps build the flavor base of your dish. - Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the paprika and oregano, stirring to combine well. Let the spices bloom in the heat for about 30 seconds to release their full aroma. - Incorporate the Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the flavorful beef mixture. This step helps the rice absorb all the seasonings before it cooks in the broth. - Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer Until Tender
Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time — the trapped steam helps the rice cook evenly. - Fluff and Finish
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. - Optional Cheese Topping
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully over the beef and rice.
Serve immediately, straight from the skillet, for that cozy, home-cooked feel.
Variations
- 🌮 Mexican Fiesta: Add ½ cup salsa, ½ cup black beans, and top with avocado and sour cream.
- 🍅 Italian Style: Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, and finish with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
- 🥢 Asian Fusion: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- 🌶️ Cajun Kick: Include sliced andouille sausage and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- 🥦 Veggie Power: Toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrients and color.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥗 Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet.
- 🍞 Bread Pairings: Try it with warm tortillas, crusty garlic bread, or buttery cornbread.
- 🌶️ Sauce Bar: Offer hot sauce, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for topping variety.
- 🍹 Drink Pairings: Pairs wonderfully with iced tea, cold beer, or a light red wine.
- 🍓 Light Dessert: Finish off the meal with fresh fruit or a scoop of sorbet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well, but it takes longer to cook. Add about 10–15 extra minutes of simmering time and a bit more liquid if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight before warming.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For small portions, microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet proves that a delicious, home-cooked meal doesn’t have to take hours or create a mountain of dishes.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for families, busy weeknights, or anyone craving comfort food without the fuss.
Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Category: Dinner · Main Course · One-Pan Meal
Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (30 Minutes)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Bee. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is browned evenly.
- Sauté the Vegetable. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir frequently and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step helps build the flavor base of your dish.
- Add the Seasoning. Sprinkle in the paprika and oregano, stirring to combine well. Let the spices bloom in the heat for about 30 seconds to release their full aroma.
- Incorporate the Rice. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the flavorful beef mixture. This step helps the rice absorb all the seasonings before it cooks in the broth.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time — the trapped steam helps the rice cook evenly.
- Fluff and Finish. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optional Cheese Topping. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully over the beef and rice.
- Serve immediately, straight from the skillet, for that cozy, home-cooked feel.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.