This delightful Ground Beef Rice Skillet is your new go-to meal for busy weeknights. It’s a savory combination of ground beef, rice, and delicious spices, all cooked to perfection in one pan. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish will be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
Gathering all your ingredients beforehand not only saves time but also ensures you have everything needed to whip this dish up without a hitch.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipments
Cooking this meal will be a breeze. You need just a simple set-up for this delicious dish.
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
How to Make Ground Beef Rice Skillet – Step By Step
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the rest of your meal.
Step 2: Add the garlic to the skillet, cooking for just another minute to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as overcooked garlic can taste bitter and overpowering.
Step 3: Increase the heat slightly, and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned through and crumbles easily, which should take about 7-8 minutes. As it browns, stir the meat frequently to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 4: To the browned meat mixture, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with these aromatic spices, giving the dish its signature taste.
Step 5: Add uncooked rice and stir continuously so that it’s evenly distributed among the other ingredients. Cooking the rice for a minute before adding the liquid provides some depth of flavor and texture to the grain.
Step 6: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 7: After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish any absorption of moisture.
How to Serve Ground Beef Rice Skillet
Once ready, garnish your Ground Beef Rice Skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot directly from the skillet to the dining table for a communal and welcoming meal, accompanied by a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure success with this recipe, make sure to use a heavy-bottom skillet to prevent sticking and burning during cooking. Adjust spices according to your taste preference, and feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or peas to boost nutrition.
Higher Protein {Ground Beef Rice Skillet}
Pump up the protein in this dish by swapping regular rice with quinoa, which boasts more protein and will pair equally well with ground beef. You can also consider adding black beans or kidney beans into the mix to round off the flavor and add additional texture.
Low Carb Delight: {Ground Beef Rice Skillet}
Looking for a low-carb version? Swap the rice with cauliflower rice to keep carbs in check without sacrificing flavor. This simple substitution works perfectly to retain the consistency of the meal while offering the bonus of extra vegetables in each serving.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. If freezing, portion into ziplock bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for optimal consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken can serve as an alternative source of protein in this recipe.
- What type of rice is best? White rice is traditional, but brown rice can also be used for a nuttier flavor.
- How do I avoid soggy rice? Ensure your skillet is at a steady simmer and that cooking time is adjusted according to the specific rice used.
- What can I add for flavor? Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can enhance the umami flavors.
- Can this be made vegetarian? Substitute beef with diced mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
Final Thoughts on Making a Delicious Ground Beef Rice Skillet
This Ground Beef Rice Skillet is not only easy to make but also adaptable to accommodate different dietary needs. It’s a hearty meal for any occasion. We hope you and your family enjoy making and even more importantly, eating this delightful dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment, share your experience, or pin this recipe for later!
Ground Beef Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- rice
- beef broth
- onion
- bell pepper
- garlic
- cumin
- paprika
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they're softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic to the skillet, cooking for just another minute to release its aroma.
- Increase the heat slightly, and add the ground beef. Cook until it's browned through and crumbles easily.
- To the browned meat mixture, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with these aromatic spices.
- Add uncooked rice and stir continuously so that it’s evenly distributed among the other ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.