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Delicious ground beef and rice skillet meal in a frying pan

Perfect Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A one-pan dish featuring ground beef, rice, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Tender and juicy, providing a rich base for the dish.
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice Fluffy and absorbing the delicious flavors.
  • 2 cups beef broth Rich and savory base for the rice.
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes Drained, juicy and tangy.
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Creamy and melty topping.
Vegetables
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced Aromatic and sweet.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Pungent and fragrant.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Fresh garnish.
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Heart-healthy fat.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Earthy and smoky.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Nutty and warm.
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes A touch of heat.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and brown it nicely. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  3. Push the beef to one side and add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything in spices.
Cooking
  1. Stir in drained canned tomatoes, then add uncooked rice and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  3. Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Serving
  1. Turn off heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm from the skillet.

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken. This dish is freezer-friendly and can be made ahead of time. Don't overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning of the beef.