Print

Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting, one-pot weeknight dinner that combines browned ground beef, toasted rice, and savory spices in under 30 minutes. This easy skillet meal is perfect for busy families and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Remove beef from pan and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of grease in the pan.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice until it turns slightly opaque and coats in the butter.
  4. Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the rice. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, stir in cheese until melted, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Toast the rice thoroughly to prevent mushiness and add nutty flavor. Do not stir the rice once covered and simmering to avoid releasing too much starch. If using instant rice, reduce simmering time to 5 minutes. For brown rice, increase liquid by 1/2 cup and simmer for 40-45 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice skillet, one pot meal, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, beef and rice

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/quick-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/