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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan meal with ground beef, rice, and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights. This savory, comforting dish comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and break into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains.
  3. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir into the beef mixture and toast for 1-2 minutes until the rice looks slightly translucent and smells nutty.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. After 18 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still firm, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If liquid is gone but rice isn’t done, add a splash more broth or water.
  9. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the frozen peas. Let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Toasting the rice in the beef drippings before adding liquid gives it a nutty depth. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat. Resist stirring after adding liquid to ensure even cooking. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ground beef, rice, skillet, weeknight dinner, easy, quick, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/easy-one-pan-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/