Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Name: Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or 2 cups cooked rice); 2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 cup frozen or fresh peas, corn, or mixed vegetables; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping); 1 tablespoon olive oil

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!) is a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of ground beef, rice, and vegetables is hearty and nutritious, while the seasonings add a delicious depth of flavor. It’s also highly customizable, so I can adjust it to suit my preferences or whatever ingredients I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Protein and Grains:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)

2 cups beef or chicken broth

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup frozen or fresh peas, corn, or mixed veggies

Seasoning:

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Extras:

1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Remove any excess grease from the skillet if needed.

Add the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Add Rice and Liquids:
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in Vegetables:
Add the peas, corn, or mixed veggies to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Optional Cheese Topping:
If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.

Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for added richness.

Spice it up: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for extra heat.

Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and use a mix of beans and additional vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Related Recipes:

Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

FAQs

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

I recommend using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan. Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers and ensure there’s enough liquid.

Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked rice works great. Just reduce the broth to 1/2 cup and adjust the cooking time to heat everything through.

What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for variety.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for the topping.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!) is a go-to meal for busy evenings. It’s versatile, delicious, and comes together in one pan with minimal effort. Whether I want to spice it up or make it creamy, I know this recipe will satisfy my cravings while keeping cleanup simple. Give it a try—I think it might just become one of your weeknight favorites.

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