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Tasty Beef Rice Skillet

Featured in Family Dinners.

Turn a few kitchen basics into a comforting one-pan dinner. Ground beef, rice, peppers, and onions cook in beef broth with tomatoes, paprika, and oregano. Let the rice soak up all the flavors, top with cheese if you like, and enjoy a quick cleanup. Ideal for busy nights and family meals!
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Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:26:48 GMT
Delicious skillet dish combining beef, rice, and vegetables for fast dinners. Pin it
Delicious skillet dish combining beef, rice, and vegetables for fast dinners. | tasteofmoms.com

Mixing well-seasoned ground beef with soft, airy rice makes this hearty single-pan dish. Every mouthful gives you a tasty mix of textures and flavors, making this skillet meal a go-to option for those crazy nights when you want a filling dinner without spending forever in the kitchen.

I found this mix by accident when stretching our food dollars years back. It's now our favorite comfort food, particularly during winter. What I love most is how the rice at the bottom gets a bit crunchy, adding a surprising but wonderful texture.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Ground Beef: Go for 85% lean - it's got enough fat to make everything tasty without getting too oily
  • Rice: Stick with long-grain white rice as it cooks up separate and fluffy. Try to find whole, unbroken grains
  • Bell Peppers: Pick ones that seem weighty for their size with shiny, crisp skin
  • Beef Broth: Good broth really changes the game - grab low-sodium types so you can adjust the saltiness yourself
Rich ground beef with puffy rice, all done in a single skillet for quick cleanup. Pin it
Rich ground beef with puffy rice, all done in a single skillet for quick cleanup. | tasteofmoms.com

Simple Cooking Steps

Step 1:
Grab a big, heavy skillet and put it over medium-high heat. Pour in olive oil and wait till it's shimmering - don't jump ahead or you'll mess up the cooking
Step 2:
Put your ground beef in one layer and let it get a nice brown crust before breaking it up - this takes about 2 minutes
Step 3:
Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into chunks, but don't overdo it. Cook until you can't see any pink - usually 5-7 minutes
Step 4:
Turn the heat down to medium and throw in onions with the beef, giving them an occasional stir until they're see-through with slightly golden edges
Step 5:
Toss in garlic and bell peppers, cooking just until peppers start getting soft but still have some bite
Step 6:
Shake in herbs and spices, stirring everything so it's evenly coated. Let them cook for 30 seconds to bring out their smells
Step 7:
Dump in rice, stirring so each grain gets coated with that tasty oil and beef fat
Step 8:
Slowly add the broth, scraping the pan bottom to get all those flavorful brown bits loose
Step 9:
Let it come to a gentle bubble, then turn heat to low and cover it tight
Step 10:
Don't touch it for 18-20 minutes - seriously, keep that lid on!

Our family trick is adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce while the beef browns. This tiny addition brings amazing flavor depth that makes people wonder what's different about our version.

Extra Important Info

Perfect Rice Every Time: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps moisture spread evenly, giving you perfectly fluffy grains throughout your meal.

Flavor Building: Every ingredient adds its own taste profile. Starting with properly browned meat creates a base that runs through the whole dish.

Make-Ahead Tips: The dish tastes best fresh, but you can chop all veggies ahead and keep them in sealed containers. This cuts a 30-minute meal down to 20 minutes when you're ready to cook.

Leftover Transformation: Use leftovers to stuff bell peppers or wrap in big lettuce leaves for something different next day. The flavors actually get better overnight.

Budget-Friendly Benefits: This meal shows how basic, cheap ingredients can make something amazing. It's super cost-effective when you're feeding lots of people.

Beef and rice skillet, a tasty and money-saving dinner choice. Pin it
Beef and rice skillet, a tasty and money-saving dinner choice. | tasteofmoms.com

Through my years making this dish, I've found that keeping it simple often works best. The secret is caring for each ingredient properly. When you're busy, it's tempting to rush, but giving each step the right amount of time rewards you with food that tastes restaurant-quality. Just remember, good cooking isn't about being perfect - it's about making food that comforts and satisfies the people you're feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is brown rice a good alternative to white rice?
It works, but cooking will take about 15-20 extra minutes and might need more broth.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Sure! Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it reheats wonderfully.
→ What could I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken or veggie broth are both great swaps.
→ Can this be frozen?
Absolutely. Keep it in an airtight container, and it'll stay good for up to 3 months.
→ What other veggies can I toss in?
Corn, carrots, peas, or mushrooms would be tasty additions.

Ground Beef Rice Skillet

A no-fuss, one-pan dish featuring seasoned beef, tender rice, and veggies, brought together with bold flavors in a hearty sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 big portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice
03 1 pound of lean ground beef
04 1 bell pepper, chopped small
05 2 garlic cloves, crushed

→ Flavor Boosters & Liquids

06 2 cups of beef stock
07 1 tablespoon of olive oil
08 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
09 1 teaspoon of paprika
10 One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
11 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as preferred

→ Add-On Option

12 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 01

Over medium-high heat, warm up your olive oil in a large pan. Toss in the ground beef and start breaking it apart while it cooks. Sprinkle with salt and pepper along the way.

Step 02

When your beef has browned, add in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and crushed garlic. Let it all cook together until the veggies soften and smell amazing, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the oregano and paprika, mixing well to make sure the flavors work their way throughout the beef and vegetables.

Step 04

Pour in the uncooked rice, making sure to stir it so it soaks up all the delicious flavors in the pan.

Step 05

Add your beef stock and canned tomatoes to the pan. Turn up the heat to bring it all to a bubbling boil. Once that’s going, lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Step 06

Put a lid on your pan and let it all cook on low heat for around 18-20 minutes. The rice should become nice and tender, absorbing most of the broth by then.

Step 07

Use a fork to fluff the rice and taste to tweak the seasoning. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top until it melts nicely before serving.

Notes

  1. Quick and easy to whip up in just one pan
  2. Tastes even better the next day when reheated
  3. Use whatever color of bell pepper you prefer

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan that comes with a lid
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Sharp kitchen knife and cutting board
  • Set of measuring tools for accuracy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Cheese topping contains dairy if included

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 28 g