This One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice is a savory and satisfying dish that brings together sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors all in one. Packed with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, flavorful rice base, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights when I want something both easy to make and delicious to eat. The combination of honey, smoked paprika, and chili powder gives this dish its irresistible depth, making every bite a comforting delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a one-pan wonder—no need for multiple pots and pans. It’s quick, making it perfect for weeknights, but it’s also bursting with rich, smoky flavors. The sweet honey balances the heat from the chili powder and cayenne, creating a mouthwatering dish. Plus, the rice cooks perfectly alongside the beef, absorbing all the savory goodness. It’s a filling, flavorful meal with minimal clean-up afterward, which is always a win in my book!
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice (jasmine or long-grain)
2 cups beef broth
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
Add seasonings: Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to darken slightly.
Mix in the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices and beef mixture.
Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, honey, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and serve: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, including the time to cook the rice and beef.
Variations
Add vegetables: I can easily throw in some extra vegetables like corn, peas, or even zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Swap the protein: If I prefer, I can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Increase the heat: For more spice, I can add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mix. If I love extra heat, a splash of hot sauce can be added when serving.
Storage/Reheating
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up in the microwave or reheat it in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to help bring back the moisture. The rice may soak up some of the liquid, so adding a bit of broth helps keep it tender.
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FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
If I want to turn up the heat, I can add more cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or even a chopped jalapeño during the cooking process.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, I can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. I’d need to add more liquid and cook it for around 40-45 minutes, depending on the type of rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! I can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or beans for a hearty vegetarian option. I’ll also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! I can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I simply thaw and reheat.
What can I serve this dish with?
This smoky honey chili beef rice can be served with a side of sautéed greens, a simple salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Conclusion
One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers on taste, convenience, and satisfaction. I love how the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors come together in this hearty meal that only takes 30 minutes to prepare. Whether I’m feeding my family or making a meal for myself, it’s always a winner.
📖 Recipe:
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One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish combining sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender ground beef, rice, and aromatic vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. The rich combination of honey, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates a mouthwatering meal. Ideal for families or meal prepping, this recipe is customizable with veggies, spices, and protein options, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice (jasmine or long-grain)
2 cups beef broth
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasonings: Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in the rice: Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and serve: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
For added heat, increase cayenne or add chopped jalapeño.
Brown rice can be substituted, but it requires more liquid and a longer cook time (40-45 minutes).
For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat or beans and vegetable broth.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
