Savory Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a hearty dish. The ground beef gives a rich taste. Rice serves as a filling base. Broth adds flavor and moisture. Onions and garlic provide a strong aroma. Bell pepper adds color and crunch. The peas and carrots bring sweetness and nutrition. - Worcestershire sauce - Fresh parsley for garnish Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavor. Fresh parsley brings a bright touch. Both are nice but not needed. - Ground beef can be replaced with turkey or chicken. - Long-grain white rice can be swapped for brown rice or quinoa. - Beef broth can be changed to vegetable broth for a lighter taste. - Frozen peas and carrots can be substituted with any frozen mixed veggies. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while accommodating different diets. You can easily adjust based on what you have at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes, until they smell good and the onion turns soft. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra flavor. After the beef is browned, stir in 1 diced bell pepper. Cook this mixture for another 4-5 minutes, until the pepper softens. Now it’s time to add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir it in well with the beef and veggies. Pour in 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth, along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. If you like, you can add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. This will cook the rice and allow it to soak up most of the liquid. When the rice is done, gently fold in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for another 5 minutes. This warms up the veggies. After that, fluff the mixture with a fork. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. For serving, you can either keep the skillet on the table for a rustic look or serve portions on plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color. Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread or a fresh salad! To make your ground beef and rice skillet shine, focus on seasoning. Use salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten up the dish. Mix them in right before serving for the best taste. One-pan meals are all about timing. Start with ingredients that take longer to cook. Onions and garlic should go in first, as they build a flavor base. When adding rice, stir it well with the beef and veggies. This helps each grain soak up flavors. Lastly, don't skip the lid when simmering. This keeps moisture in and cooks the rice evenly. For a great presentation, serve the skillet right from the pan. This gives a warm, rustic look. If you prefer plates, scoop the mixture onto them. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this dish warm for the best experience. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, making your dish healthier and more flavorful. Broth for Extra Flavor: Using beef broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the rice, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Customize Veggies: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand to make this dish your own. Rest Before Serving: Let the skillet sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the dish’s texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. Swap the ground beef for lentils or black beans. They add great protein and taste. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a rich flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture. This gives you a hearty meal that is still filling and full of flavor. If you like heat, add spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Stir these in while cooking the beef. You can also mix in jalapeños or serrano peppers for fresh heat. A few dashes of hot sauce at the end can bring it all together. This spicy version keeps the same comfort but adds a kick to your meal. Want to switch up the grains? Try quinoa or farro instead of rice. These grains cook well and add a nutty flavor. Adjust the liquid amounts since they may vary. Quinoa cooks faster, while farro takes longer. Barley is another great choice, providing a chewy texture. Each option brings its own taste, making the dish unique every time you prepare it. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the skillet cool down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat later. You can enjoy it for up to three days. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating. You can freeze this dish for later use. Allow it to cool completely. Divide it into portions for easy thawing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place it in a safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through. Always check the temperature before serving. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time. You will need about 45 minutes to fully cook brown rice. Add more liquid too, about 2 ½ cups of broth for 1 cup of brown rice. To keep the rice from sticking, rinse it before cooking. This removes extra starch. Use enough broth and stir the mix well. Cover the skillet while it cooks, as steam helps the rice cook evenly. Let it rest after cooking. This helps the rice settle and prevents sticking. This dish is great on its own! You can serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. Try adding a side of roasted vegetables for more flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can also make it special. Enjoy your meal with friends or family! In this article, we covered everything needed for a tasty ground beef and rice skillet. You learned about the key ingredients and optional swaps. We explained step-by-step cooking methods and shared tips to enhance flavor. You can enjoy many variations, like vegetarian options or adding spice. Plus, we discussed storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, this dish is flexible and simple. Experiment with it and find your favorite way to make it. Happy cooking!$

Savory Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring ground beef, rice, and vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 unit onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 unit bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste unit salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste unit fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes until the peppers soften.
Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it well with the beef and veggie mixture.
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
After the rice is done, gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover again and let it sit for another 5 minutes. This will warm the veggies through.
Fluff the mixture with a fork and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary.

Notes

Serve in the skillet for a rustic look or on plates, garnished with fresh parsley.

Keyword beef, one-pan meal, rice, skillet