This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet will become one of your new weeknight heroes if you enjoy quick, satisfying, and reasonably priced meals. Hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, fragrant spices, vegetables, and melted cheese are all cooked together to make a warm, filling dish that is the ideal “everything-in-one-pan” recipe.
The flavor of this Ground Beef and Rice skillet supper is the kind that makes you feel at home. It seems like a full dinner because it is flavorful, rich, slightly creamy, and full of textures. The finest aspect? It’s quite easy to make and uses materials that most people already have in their cupboard.
Ideal for hectic evenings, meal preparation, or a family dinner that needs very little cleanup!
Table of Contents
⭐ Why This Recipe Works So Well
Readers love this recipe because:
- Everything cooks in one skillet (hello, easy cleanup!)
- It uses simple ingredients like rice, beef, spices, and veggies
- It’s hearty, comforting, and super filling
- It’s easy to customize based on what you have
- It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers
- It’s affordable, great for feeding a family on a budget
If you’re building your blog with practical, cozy dinner ideas, this recipe for Ground Beef and Rice skillet fits perfectly.
⭐ Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a simple list of everything you need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned tomatoes or salsa
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional but recommended!)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional add-ins: corn, black beans, taco seasoning, jalapeños, Worcestershire sauce.
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a big skillet, start by heating the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the chopped onion until it is tender and slightly browned.
To release the scent, add the garlic and stir for a further 30 seconds.
Never omit the onions, this first step adds flavor to the entire dish!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
To the skillet, add the ground meat.
Add a little salt and pepper and cook until browned and crumbly.
If necessary, drain extra fat to prevent the dish from feeling oily.
Step 3: Add Pepper and Spices
Stir in the diced bell pepper along with:
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Cook for a minute to toast the spices and bring out their warm flavor.
This small step deepens the taste of your dish in a big way.
Step 4: Add Rice
Fill the skillet with the raw rice.
Stir to coat it with the spices and meat.
To add more flavor and avoid mushiness, let the rice toast for one minute.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes/Salsa and Broth
Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (or salsa).
Stir well.
Your skillet will look colorful, saucy, and very promising.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until:
- The rice is cooked
- Most liquid is absorbed
- Everything smells heavenly
Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Add Veggies
During the final five minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas or mixed veggies.
They give your food color and freshness while heating up rapidly.
Step 8: Make it Cheesy (Optional)
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Cover again for 3–4 minutes until melted.
You’ll get a soft, gooey layer of cheese that makes the whole dish extra comforting.
Step 9: Fluff & Serve
Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve warm, optionally topped with:
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Extra cheese
Your skillet should now look rich, creamy, colorful, and absolutely irresistible.
⭐ Flavor Boosting Tricks
These simple tips can take your skillet to the next level:
✔ Add taco seasoning
Instant flavor upgrade!
✔ Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce
It adds savory depth.
✔ Use fire-roasted tomatoes
They bring a smoky, restaurant-quality flavor.
✔ Add corn or black beans
More texture + more flavor = perfect.
✔ Make it spicy
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce.
✔ Add cream or a spoon of sour cream
This makes it extra rich and velvety.
⭐ Easy Variations
Use this recipe as a base and try different flavors:
✨ Tex-Mex Ground Beef Skillet
Add chili powder, corn, black beans, and cheddar.
✨ Italian Beef & Rice
Use Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
✨ Curry Beef & Rice
Add curry powder, peas, carrots, and coconut milk.
✨ Veggie-Packed Skillet
Add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots.
✨ Cheesy Rice Bake
Pour into a dish and bake with extra cheese.
⭐ What to Serve With Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
This skillet is a complete meal, but here are great side ideas:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Tortilla chips on the side
Because the dish already has carbs, protein, and veggies, you don’t need much else.
⭐ Storage & Reheating
Skillet meals are amazing for leftovers!
Refrigerator
Lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring the rice back to life.
Reheat
Microwave or warm on the stovetop.
Stir occasionally to avoid drying out.
⭐ Final Thoughts
With its straightforward ingredients, single skillet, potent taste, and little cleanup, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a real weeknight savior. Each taste is warm and gratifying since it’s snug, nourishing, and full of warming spices.
This skillet is reliable, tasty, and incredibly versatile, whether you’re preparing meals for your family or yourself. This dish is essential if you’re developing your blog with simple, cozy dinners that followers can rely on.
It’s the type of meal that people immediately bookmark for later after trying it once.
