Name: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (30 minutes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a comforting meal that's easy enough for a busy weeknight but still packed with flavor, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (30 minutes) is about to become your go-to recipe. With savory seasoned Beef, fluffy rice, and loads of veggies, it's a hearty one-pan wonder that's perfect for family dinners, meal preps, or casual gatherings. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, saving you time and dishes!
Super fast: Ready in just 30 minutes for stress-free weeknight meals.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples without skimping on flavor.
Family-approved: Kid-friendly ingredients and customizable seasonings please every palate.
Versatile & filling: Easily swap ingredients for dietary needs and enjoy a satisfying, cozy meal.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
2 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, crumbling with a spatula until it starts to brown.
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Rice, Seasonings & Tomato

Stir in uncooked rice, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the rice is well coated.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Let the dish simmer, covered, for about 15–17 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Replace the lid and cook for 3–4 more minutes until veggies are heated through.
If using cheese, sprinkle over the top, cover, and let melt for 1–2 minutes off heat.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Make sure to use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid for the rice to cook evenly.
Check rice doneness at 15 minutes; if needed, cook an extra 2–3 minutes (add a splash of broth if too dry).
Lean ground beef reduces excess grease, but drain fat if needed for a lighter dish.

Variations

Tex-Mex: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and ½ cup corn; use pepper jack cheese for serving.
Greek-Style: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano, use ground lamb, and top with feta cheese.
Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Required Equipment

Large (12-inch) deep skillet with lid
Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Cool any leftovers completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through. This dish is freezer-friendly—freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a flavor boost.
Pair with crusty bread or warm tortillas to soak up every delicious bite.

Pro Tips

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melty texture—pre-shredded can be less creamy.
Let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes off heat after cooking to allow rice to finish absorbing flavors.
Add a splash more broth if the mixture is too thick or rice isn't quite done.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?: Yes, but increase the liquid by ½ cup and extend the simmer time to about 35–40 minutes, checking rice tenderness.
Can I double the recipe?: Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven, and you may need a few more minutes of simmering for best results.
What if my skillet doesn’t have a lid?: Cover tightly with aluminum foil or use a large baking sheet as a makeshift lid to trap the steam for the rice to cook.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings