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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting, one-pan dinner combining juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly and customizable meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a wholesome balance of protein, carbs, and veggies with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Carbohydrates

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 cup white or brown rice (uncooked)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Liquids

  • 1 to 1½ cups beef broth or water
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp chili powder

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
  2. Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Peppers: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the empty side with a splash of oil if needed. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in Rice and Seasonings: Add uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to coat it with the beef and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the rice to toast slightly for enhanced flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in beef broth (or water) and tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Fluff and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat once rice is cooked. Fluff gently with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with desired garnishes or sides.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent rice from burning on the bottom.
  • Do not lift the lid or stir once simmering starts to ensure even rice cooking and liquid absorption.
  • Drain excess fat after browning ground beef if using higher fat content for a less oily dish.
  • Customize spices by adding cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
  • If rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, add a splash of water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan meals, beef and rice recipe, budget-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/