Description
This one-pot ground beef and rice skillet is a quick, easy, and comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a family-friendly meal that pleases picky eaters and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor, but lean works too)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked; jasmine or basmati also work well)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juices; fire-roasted adds extra flavor)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred so you can control the salt)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a lovely depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, adds color and veggies)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Place your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot—about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the hot oil. Break it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want some nice browned bits on the bottom of the pan—that’s flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Add the aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat (optional): If you’re using 80/20 ground beef, you might have a fair amount of fat in the pan. I usually tilt the pan and spoon out most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. If you’re using lean beef, you can skip this step.
- Add the rice and seasonings: Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the beef mixture. Add the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for about 1 minute. This toasts the rice slightly and wakes up the spices.
- Pour in the liquids: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
- Simmer and cover: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do NOT lift the lid during this time!
- Check the rice: After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully (steam will escape). The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm, cover it again and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If it looks dry but the rice isn’t done yet, add a splash of broth or water.
- Add optional veggies: If you’re using frozen peas and carrots, stir them in now. The residual heat will warm them through in about 1-2 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and makes it easier to serve. Fluff the mixture gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
Don’t skip browning the beef properly for maximum flavor. Toast the rice briefly to keep it fluffy. Resist the urge to lift the lid while simmering. Adjust liquid if needed based on rice brand. Season in layers for best results. Use a 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, rice, skillet, kid-friendly, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food