Ground beef is a true kitchen hero, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. If you’re searching for quick and satisfying dinner recipes with ground beef, this one-pan beef and rice skillet is a game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, cooks up fast, and delivers a hearty, flavorful dish your whole family will love. Enjoy minimal cleanup and maximum taste with this versatile weeknight solution.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef Skillet
You’ll quickly fall for this delicious ground beef skillet for many reasons. It’s a quick weeknight meal solution, perfect for busy schedules, coming together in under 30 minutes. You only need one cooking pan, which means super easy cleanup after dinner. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust it for various tastes and dietary needs. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, giving you tasty leftovers. Finally, it’s a satisfying and comforting dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a fantastic ground beef dinner recipe:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
When selecting your ground beef, opt for lean ground beef (like 90/10) to minimize excess fat. If using a higher fat percentage, drain off the fat after browning. You can easily swap long-grain white rice for brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa; just be aware that cooking times and liquid amounts will need adjustment (often more liquid and longer cooking for brown rice). Boost the veggie count by adding frozen corn, peas, diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the diced tomatoes. Feel free to use different cheese options such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Chicken or vegetable broth can replace beef broth if needed.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this straightforward ground beef recipe. Grab a large, oven-safe skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, ideally with a tight-fitting lid. This will be your primary cooking vessel. You’ll also need a sturdy spatula for browning the beef, a sharp knife, and a cutting board for preparing your aromatics. Finally, ensure you have standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Let’s make this incredible one-pan ground beef dinner.
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spatula, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes more, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Rice, Liquid, and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the beef and onion mixture. Pour in the beef broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients for this savory ground beef dinner.
- Simmer and Cover: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with its lid, and let it simmer.
- Cook Until Rice is Tender: Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time, as steam is essential for cooking the rice evenly.
- Stir in Cheese (Optional): If using, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot beef and rice mixture. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese until it’s gooey and delicious.
- Rest and Serve: Uncover the skillet and gently stir the melted cheese into the rice, if desired. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfectly cooked rice is key; ensure your lid is tight-fitting to trap steam, and resist the urge to peek during cooking. If the rice is still a bit firm, add a splash more broth and cook for a few extra minutes. To prevent dry ground beef, avoid overcooking it in the initial browning step. Always drain excess fat for a lighter dish. Taste and adjust your seasoning before serving; a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can make a big difference. If your skillet has excess liquid at the end, simply remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it thickens. Enhance overall flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley stirred in at the end.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your hearty ground beef skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up any remaining savory juices from the skillet. This makes a satisfying and well-rounded ground beef dinner.
Storage & Reheating
For optimal safety and freshness, it’s crucial to follow proper guidelines when storing and reheating leftovers. To store leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer preservation, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave until thoroughly warm. For more detailed advice, refer to USDA guidelines on storing leftovers.
Recipe Variations
This versatile beef and rice skillet can transform into many delicious dinner recipes with ground beef.
- Taco Skillet: Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning along with the broth, then stir in a can of drained black beans and some corn after the rice cooks. Top with salsa, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Italian Skillet: Replace diced tomatoes with a can of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir in chopped spinach and top with mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly if your skillet is oven-safe.
- Asian-Inspired Skillet: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil with the broth. Stir in frozen broccoli florets during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sriracha.
- Mediterranean Skillet: Use chicken broth, add 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped). Crumble feta cheese over the top after cooking for a tangy finish.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the components of a meal helps in appreciating its health benefits. This one-pan ground beef skillet offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a great option for a wholesome meal. It provides a good source of protein from the lean ground beef, essential for muscle health. The rice contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the added vegetables offer dietary fiber and essential vitamins. Further details can be found on the nutritional aspects of lean ground beef and rice.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 28g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lean substitute in this dish, with similar cooking times. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
How long does this ground beef dinner last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this skillet meal will stay fresh and delicious in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It makes for excellent leftovers.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or corn. Add them along with the onions and garlic, or frozen vegetables can be stirred in during the last 5-7 minutes of the rice cooking time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this beef and rice skillet freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What sides go best with it?
A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or warm crusty bread are perfect complements to this hearty meal. They add freshness and balance to this flavorful ground beef dinner.
Conclusion
This one-pan hearty beef and rice skillet is truly the ultimate solution for easy and delicious weeknight meals. It proves that dinner recipes with ground beef can be both incredibly convenient and packed with flavor, all while requiring minimal cleanup. We encourage you to try this versatile recipe and discover how simple it is to bring a satisfying meal to your table. It’s sure to become a cherished staple in your busy weekly rotation, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
The Ultimate One-Pan Ground Beef Dinner: Hearty Beef and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, water, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked rice, stir well, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the provolone cheese slices over the top of the beef and rice mixture. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving directly from the skillet.