Description

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is a hearty, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef with tender rice, sautéed vegetables, and savory spices, it’s cooked entirely in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this comforting dish delivers balanced flavors and satisfying textures in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

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

Grains

1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids

2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil

Spices

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.
Add spices: Stir in the paprika and dried oregano, mixing well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
Incorporate the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir to combine, ensuring the rice is coated with the flavorful mixture of beef, vegetables, and spices.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish and serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, cover again briefly, and allow it to melt before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
For extra veggies, add chopped mushrooms or zucchini along with the onions and peppers.
If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder when adding the paprika and oregano.
Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce sodium content.
Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef skillet, beef and rice recipe, one pan meal, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, skillet recipe, quick beef dinner