Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner that saves the day when you’re short on time. Juicy beef, tender rice, and flavorful veggies all simmer together in one skillet, which means less mess and more flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is hearty, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a homemade meal that satisfies the whole family.
Why This Ground Beef And Rice Skillet Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet means fewer dishes to wash.
- Big flavor: Seasoned beef and fresh veggies make this dish tasty and filling.
Ingredients You Will Needs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Ground Beef And Rice Skillet (3 Steps & Timing)
Brown the beef and cook veggies:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft.
Combine ingredients:
Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, undrained), 1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces, undrained), 1 cup of long-grain rice, and 2 cups of beef broth. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer:
Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Corn on the cob: Cook up some corn for a sweet side.
- Mixed green salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and color.
- Tortilla chips: Serve on the side for a fun, crunchy option.
- Sour cream: A dollop on top can add creaminess to your meal.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze for up to 3 months.
- Crisp-back tip: To reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to keep it crispy.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save slicing time.
- Grab a rotisserie chicken for an easy protein swap.
- Consider using bagged rice mixes for quicker cooking.
- Buy canned diced tomatoes with added spices for more flavor.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner protein option.
- Brown rice: Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber.
- Quinoa: Try quinoa for a gluten-free variation.
- Frozen mixed veggies: Use these for faster prep and more nutrients.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes undrained
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, rice, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add extra broth and simmer for about 40–45 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent sticking.
What if my skillet meal is too watery?
Just remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. This reduces the liquid and gives you a thicker, heartier dish.
Can I freeze Ground Beef and Rice Skillet?
Absolutely. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes add jalapeños, more chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Adjust the spice level to fit your family’s taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to hold everything, and extend cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
Wrapping It Up
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can come together for a big, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prep, easy to clean up, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknights when you want dinner without the hassle, this skillet is versatile enough to tweak with whatever you’ve got in the pantry. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to family favorite.
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