Ground Beef and Rice Skillet – The Best One-Pan Weeknight Dinner
A Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one of the most dependable meals you can make on a busy weeknight. With just one pan, simple pantry ingredients, and less than 35 minutes of cooking time, this dish delivers rich flavor and satisfying comfort. Tender rice simmers directly in a savory tomato-beef broth, absorbing spices and juices as it cooks. The result is a hearty, family-friendly meal that tastes like it took hours—without the cleanup.
This recipe is budget-friendly, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you keep it classic or add your own spin, this skillet will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 ½ cups (600 ml) beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional if beef is lean)
Seasonings
1 ½ tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½–1 tsp chili powder, to taste
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
Add-Ins
1 cup (120 g) frozen peas or mixed vegetables
1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or scallions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef (with olive oil if very lean) and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion and cook 3 minutes, until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add Spices
Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and aromatics.
4. Add Rice and Tomatoes
Pour in uncooked rice and stir to combine with the seasoned beef.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Make sure the rice is fully submerged.
5. Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 18–20 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
Rice should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
6. Add Vegetables
Stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables and cook 2–3 minutes more.
7. Add Cheese (Optional)
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover, and let melt for 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve
Finish with chopped parsley or scallions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Expert Tips
Choose the Right Rice
Long-grain white rice yields the best texture.
For brown rice, increase broth to 3 ¼ cups and simmer 35–40 minutes.
Boost Flavor Easily
Try adding:
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
A splash of lime juice before serving
Prevent Mushy Rice
Stir occasionally, but not too often—constant stirring releases starch.
Make It Creamy
Stir in 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
Recipe Variations
Mexican-Style Beef & Rice
Add taco seasoning
Use fire-roasted tomatoes
Stir in black beans and corn
Top with pepper jack cheese
Italian Beef and Rice Skillet
Add Italian seasoning
Stir in spinach
Finish with Parmesan
Vegetable-Loaded Version
Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Cheesy “Casserole” Style
Transfer skillet to an oven-safe dish, cover with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet makes a complete meal, but pairs beautifully with:
Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Avocado slices or simple guacamole
Warm tortillas or crusty bread
For meal prep, divide into containers and add steamed veggies or fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
Reheat
Microwave 1–2 minutes with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
Optional Quick Reference Table
Step Estimated Time Description
Brown beef 5–6 min Build savory base
Cook onion/garlic 3–4 min Add aromatics
Simmer rice 18–20 min Rice absorbs broth
Add vegetables 2–3 min Heat through
Melt cheese 1–2 min Optional finish