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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
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This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that combines lean ground beef, fluffy long-grain white rice, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, offering a balanced dish with protein, grains, and veggies in every bite. Customizable and budget-friendly, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

Liquids

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Zucchini, corn, or spinach for added vegetables
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy finish
  • Cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics and Beef: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula, cooking until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in diced bell peppers along with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the mixture is aromatic and well combined.
  3. Mix in Rice and Liquids: Add the rinsed, uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the beef mixture. Pour in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
  5. Fluff and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Brown the Beef Thoroughly: A good sear deepens flavor and improves texture.
  • Rinse Rice Before Cooking: Removes excess starch to prevent stickiness.
  • Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: Ensures even steaming and moist rice.
  • Adjust Liquid if Needed: Depending on rice brand, add a bit more broth if rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes.
  • Let It Rest: Let the skillet sit covered off heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, easy dinner, one-pan meal, beef and rice, quick ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten free

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/