If you love meals that deliver big comfort without a sink full of dirty dishes, you’ll adore this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a hearty one-pan wonder, packed with juicy beef, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a hint of melty cheese if you like. Every bite is soothing and savory, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or anytime you want something filling and flavorful on the table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this dish is how every ingredient plays a role — nothing is extra, and everything brings its own bit of magic to the pan. Each bite of this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe highlights why these humble ingredients are true pantry heroes!

Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing savory depth and satisfying protein to every spoonful.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a mellow punch, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: A small amount gives the whole skillet that irresistible aroma and rich flavor.
Long grain white rice: Soaks up all the juices and seasonings, keeping the texture just right—not too soft, not too chewy.
Beef broth: Provides all the moisture and infuses the rice with delicious beefy flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Brings a touch of acidity and color, lifting up every element.
Frozen peas or mixed vegetables: For pops of sweetness, nutrients, and cheerful color in every bite.
Paprika: A gentle, smoky hint to deepen the flavors.
Dried oregano: Earthy and savory, giving the skillet a little herby lift.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat without being overpowering.
Olive oil (if needed): Just a touch helps with browning, especially if your beef is very lean.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Stirred in at the end, it melts into gooey gold on top.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and vibrant green contrast to finish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Let it sizzle and brown, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease if your beef is on the fattier side. A little fat is okay — it adds flavor — but you don’t want it swimming.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss the diced onion right into the skillet with your beef. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it gets soft and slightly golden around the edges. Then, stir in the minced garlic and give it about 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Veggies

Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and your frozen peas or favorite mixed veggies. Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This is where everything starts coming together! Give it all a really good stir so the rice is evenly distributed and the seasonings coat every bit.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then crank the heat down to low. Put on a tight-fitting lid and let it all simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all the glorious juices and flavors, getting perfectly tender. Just try not to peek too much — the steam is what makes it magic!

Step 5: Rest, Top with Cheese, and Serve

Once the rice is cooked and the liquid’s absorbed, turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top, cover again, and let it melt for a couple minutes. Then, fluff everything with a fork and scatter some fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finishing touch.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley livens up the skillet beautifully, but you can also toss on sliced green onions, a dash of red pepper flakes for a little zing, or a final dusting of extra cheese. If you want even more color, a few wedges of fresh tomato or a dollop of sour cream can work wonders.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a meal in itself, but sides can really make it pop. Try serving with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or steamed broccoli. For a Tex-Mex twist, a side of tortilla chips and salsa brings a fun, party-like vibe to dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the comfort up a notch by serving the skillet right in the pan for some rustic flair. Or, for a playful twist, scoop individual portions into bell pepper halves and bake with cheese on top. This recipe also works wonderfully scooped into lettuce wraps for a lighter, hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily stash leftovers of your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavor just gets even deeper overnight!

Freezing

Want to meal prep? This dish freezes very well. Let the skillet cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to two months. Just keep in mind that while the rice may soften slightly when thawed, it’ll still be deliciously satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop a portion into the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to bring back its moisture, or warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally, and add extra cheese at the end if you want it extra gooey and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber, just keep in mind you’ll need a bit more broth and a longer cooking time (about 10-15 minutes more) to get perfectly tender results.

What’s the best way to make this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe dairy-free?

Simply skip the shredded cheddar cheese at the end, and you’ll have a dairy-free skillet that’s just as hearty and flavorful.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible — try stirring in bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Is this dish spicy?

As written, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is more flavorful than spicy, but you can amp up the heat with a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this skillet is perfect for meal prep. Just cook as directed, let cool, and portion into containers for tasty lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug, you can’t go wrong with this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s satisfying, flexible, and always hits the spot. Give it a try — your dinnertime routine is about to get a whole lot easier and tastier!

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious one-skillet meal that combines savory ground beef with tender rice and flavorful seasonings. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/4 cups beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Combine Ingredients: Add the rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, peas or vegetables, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover again for a few minutes to melt. Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a Tex-Mex twist, add chili powder and corn, and top with salsa or sour cream.
Brown rice can be used but will require additional liquid and a longer cook time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American