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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

one-pan ground beef and rice skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this comforting dish comes together in about 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped; shredded cheddar cheese; lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to brown, then continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if desired.
  4. Season the beef with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Add the uncooked rice and stir for about 1 minute to toast lightly. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring the mixture to a full boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the lid. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use long-grain white rice (not instant). Toast the rice briefly for a nuttier flavor. Resist lifting the lid while simmering to ensure proper steam cooking. If rice is still crunchy after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth, cover, and cook 5 more minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan ground beef and rice, easy skillet dinner, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, one pot meal