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Best Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This savory, satisfying dish cooks in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients and delivers comforting flavor every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Let it cook without moving for 2-3 minutes to get a brown crust, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes total.
  3. Remove the beef from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Add the rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to toast the rice.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  9. After 18 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still crunchy, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If done but there’s still liquid, remove the lid and cook for another minute or two.
  10. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef properly for maximum flavor. Use the right rice-to-liquid ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups liquid). Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice cooks. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. For variations, try Mexican-style (add cumin, chili powder, black beans, corn), Italian-style (use Italian seasoning, Parmesan), low-carb (use cauliflower rice), vegetarian (use plant-based meat or lentils), spicy (add red pepper flakes or jalapeño), or cheesy (stir in shredded cheese).

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet, one-pan, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/best-quick-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/