This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that cooks up fast! With juicy beef, fluffy rice, and hearty vegetables, it’s a tasty way to enjoy dinner without the fuss.
I love how easy it is to whip this up after a busy day. Plus, it’s made in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash—yay for less cleanup! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for the dish. I prefer using lean ground beef to reduce fat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu can work well as a meat substitute too!
Rice: Long-grain rice is commonly used. You can swap it for brown rice for added fiber, but adjust cooking time as it takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another healthy substitute that adds some nuttiness.
Beef Broth: Beef broth adds depth of flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works, or use water in a pinch. Homemade broth can also add a unique touch if you have some on hand!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and acidity. You could replace them with fresh diced tomatoes if they’re in season. For a bit of spice, try using diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives creaminess at the end. I love sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack could be great alternatives.
How Do You Make Sure the Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in a skillet with other ingredients can lead to mushiness if not done right. Here’s how to achieve fluffy rice:
- Use the right amount of liquid (good rule of thumb is 2 cups for 1 cup of rice).
- Bring everything to a full boil before reducing the heat. This helps the rice start cooking properly.
- Keep the skillet covered and avoid peeking too much during simmering, which lets steam escape.
- Once the time is up, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This helps the rice absorb any extra liquid.
With these tips, your rice will turn out fluffy and flavorful every time!
Easy Ground Beef And Rice Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you will need about 40 minutes. This easy and delicious skillet meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender. This will bring out their natural sweetness!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can make it taste bitter.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Make sure there is no pink remaining. If you notice a lot of grease, feel free to drain some of it off.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Stir in the rice, beef broth (or water), diced tomatoes (with their juices), chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. This is where all the flavors start to come together!
5. Simmer the Skillet:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Add Cheese:
When the rice is done, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. This will create a delicious, cheesy layer on top!
7. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your skillet dish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up warm and enjoy your Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time. Substitute with 1 cup of brown rice and increase the broth to 2 1/2 cups. You’ll need to simmer for about 35-40 minutes instead of 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder, or add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and peppers. Adjust to your spice preference!
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with water or chicken broth for a different flavor. If you want to add a little richness, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat.
