One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Recipe
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One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice is a simple dinner that brings everything together in one skillet. Ground beef cooks with onion, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings, and rice for a warm, filling meal. The rice absorbs the savory beef juices and spices as it cooks, so every bite has plenty of flavor. It is a great choice for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without using several pots. I like this recipe because cleanup stays easy, too. Serve it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a little shredded cheese for a complete family dinner that feels comforting and satisfying.
What is One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice
One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice is a skillet meal made by cooking seasoned ground beef with rice and simple vegetables in the same pan. The rice cooks in broth and tomato sauce, which gives it a rich, savory taste.
It is similar to a beef and rice casserole, but you do not need a separate baking dish. The covered skillet does most of the work, making this recipe useful for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
2. Add the vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if using. Cook for 1 minute to bring out the flavor.
4. Add rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
5. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 18-22 minutes. Keep the lid closed while the rice cooks.
6. Check and finish: Check that the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top if desired. Cover for 1-2 minutes so the cheese can melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Essential Note
- Use a deep, wide skillet with a tight-fitting lid so the rice can cook evenly. Long-grain white rice works well because it cooks within the same time as the beef mixture. Avoid rinsing the rice if you want the dish to stay slightly creamy, but rinse it if you prefer separate grains.
- Keep the heat low after the mixture reaches a gentle boil. High heat can make the liquid disappear before the rice becomes tender. If the rice still feels firm but the pan looks dry, add 2-4 tablespoons of warm beef broth, cover the pan, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Ground beef should reach 160 F for food safety. If your beef releases a lot of fat, carefully drain some before adding the rice and liquids. Do not drain all the flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
- The exact cooking time can vary with the skillet, rice brand, and heat level. Check the rice near the end rather than relying only on the clock. Letting the finished dish rest for 5 minutes helps the rice absorb leftover liquid and improves the texture.
Recipe Notes
For a richer meal, add shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, or a spoonful of sour cream before serving. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while keeping the dish juicy. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks so it mixes evenly with the rice. Let the beef brown well before adding other ingredients for deeper flavor. Use long-grain white rice and measure the broth carefully because too much liquid can make the rice mushy. Keep the skillet covered during cooking so steam stays inside. Avoid stirring the rice often because this can make it sticky. If the rice needs more time, add a small amount of warm broth and continue cooking over low heat. Always check that the beef reaches 160 F before serving.
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Anupam
Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.
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