Hearty Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Whip up a satisfying Ground Beef and Rice Skillet! This easy one-pan meal is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. My family loves this dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
1 cup white rice, uncooked (long-grain preferred)
03 -
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
04 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
1 medium onion, diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasoning Staples
07 -
1 tbsp chili powder
08 -
1 tsp cumin
09 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Finishers
10 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet (my trusty cast iron is perfect for this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet), crank up the heat to medium-high. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown beautifully, getting some lovely crispy bits. This is where the flavor truly starts, so don't rush it! Once it's nicely browned, drain any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pan and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge greasy mess on my counter, which, let's be real, happens often.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Toss in your diced onion. Let it cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma, and honestly, that's one of my favorite kitchen smells. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, though! Burnt garlic is a tragedy, and we want this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet to be a triumph.
03 -
Now, stir in the chili powder and cumin. Let them toast with the beef and onions for about 30 seconds. This step really wakes up the spices and makes them sing. Then, add your uncooked white rice to the skillet. Stir it around to coat the grains in all those delicious flavors. I always worry about the rice sticking, but a good stir usually prevents any major issues.
04 -
Pour in the beef broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This is the magic part where the rice absorbs all that flavorful liquid and steams to perfection. Try not to peek too much; that steam is crucial for a fluffy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet.
05 -
Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat but keep the skillet covered. Let it rest for another 5-10 minutes. This resting period is so important for the rice to finish cooking evenly and get that perfect texture. I used to skip this, and my rice was always a bit uneven. Trust me on this one, it makes a difference!
06 -
Uncover your beautiful Ground Beef and Rice Skillet. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If you're a cilantro lover like me, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Dish it out warm and watch everyone dig in. It's truly a satisfying, comforting meal that comes together so easily, even on your most hectic days.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the browning of the beef; that deep caramelization is pure flavor magic, trust me!
02 -
This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet tastes even better the next day, so make extra for lunch!
03 -
Swapped out regular rice for brown rice once, and it worked, just needed a splash more broth and a longer simmer.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream right before serving? Game changer, honestly.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
knife
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 35 g