Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This is the star of your skillet dish! If you want a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. They work well without losing too much flavor. You can also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.

Rice: Long-grain rice gives a fluffy texture here. If you have brown rice, it can be used too; just remember to increase the cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another great substitute! It’s nutritious and cooks quickly.

Beef Broth: Beef broth adds depth to the dish. If you’re looking to cut sodium or don’t have broth, just use water. For a richer flavor, homemade broth is a great option, or you could try vegetable broth for a lighter taste.

Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes will work just as well if they’re in season. If you want a spicier kick, you could use diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Vegan cheese is also a great option if you want to keep it plant-based.

How Do I Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly in This Skillet Dish?

Cooking rice in a skillet can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. It’s crucial to bring your broth and rice to a good boil before reducing the heat. This helps to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.

• Add the rice and liquid together in the simmering mixture; this enhances flavor- plenty of liquid ensures smooth cooking.
• Keep it covered while it simmers so that the steam stays inside, ensuring the rice cooks and absorbs the broth properly.
• Don’t lift the lid too often. Each time you do, the temperature drops and can mess with the cooking time.
• Let it sit covered for a few minutes after cooking; this fluffy, resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and settle.

Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Skillet:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and/or green)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook. In just about half an hour, you’ll have a hearty skillet meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sautéing the Veggies:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will give your dish a tasty base!

2. Cooking the Ground Beef:

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, and stir it until it’s browned all over. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.

3. Adding Flavors:

Now, it’s time to stir in those yummy spices! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix everything well so that the flavors combine beautifully.

4. Cooking the Rice:

Pour in the uncooked rice and the beef broth (or water) into the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes and give it a good stir. Bring everything to a boil, which will help cook the rice.

5. Simmering to Perfection:

Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and absorb all that delicious liquid.

6. Melting the Cheese:

When the rice is all cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a few more minutes to let the cheese melt perfectly.

7. Garnishing and Serving:

Finally, garnish your delicious beef and rice skillet with some fresh parsley before serving. Dish it out warm and enjoy this easy and hearty meal!

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Generally, you should simmer it for about 35-40 minutes instead of 18-20 minutes, and you may need to add a little more liquid as brown rice absorbs more than white rice.

What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?

If you’re looking for a substitution, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative works well. Just note that cooking times and flavors may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while cooking.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the rice has dried out a bit.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! This skillet is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or zucchini. Just make sure they are cut small and added in at the same time as the bell peppers, so they have enough time to soften during cooking.