Quick Ground Beef And Rice Skillet

Name: Quick Ground Beef And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love whipping up easy, satisfying meals, and this Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet has become a staple in my home. It’s a one-pan dish that brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a burst of vegetables in about 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and fuss-free dinners, making dinner simple yet delicious. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal the entire family will enjoy. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, and leftovers are fantastic!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:16:16.188Z

Creating this Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet was primarily motivated by a desire to have a homemade meal ready in no time. We experimented with various spices and fresh vegetables to enhance the dish's flavor profile. The result is a delectable mix that feels hearty yet doesn't weigh you down.

One key trick I learned is to let the rice absorb all the flavors at the end by covering the skillet briefly. By doing so, the entire dish develops a rich, comforting taste that ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a simple yet effective method for maximizing the meal's potential!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        It's a one-pan meal that saves time on cleanup.
Packed with flavors and nutrients from the added veggies.
Easily scalable for more servings or leftovers!

      

Choosing the Right Beef

Selecting the right ground beef is crucial for optimizing flavor and texture in this skillet dish. Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best, ensuring the meat stays juicy while providing great flavor. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used, but remember that they may require additional seasoning to enhance their flavor since they're milder.

For added depth, consider browning the meat until it's well caramelized, which adds a golden color and rich flavor to the dish. Avoid overcrowding the skillet during this step; if necessary, brown the meat in batches to achieve that perfect sear.

Rice: The Perfect Texture

Choosing the right type of rice can significantly affect the outcome of your dish. Long-grain white rice is recommended for this skillet recipe as it cooks evenly and stays fluffy rather than sticky. Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water before adding it to the skillet to remove excess starch, enhancing its texture further once cooked.

For a quicker option, you could swap in instant rice, but be mindful that the cooking time will change—typically, you only need to simmer it for about 5 minutes after adding the broth. Ensuring you follow the liquid-to-rice ratio is crucial; too little broth can lead to dry or undercooked rice.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons olive oil

Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish according to your preference!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.

Add Spices and Rice

Stir in the chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once well combined, add the uncooked rice and stir to coat the rice with the beef mixture.

Simmer with Broth

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 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Add Peas and Serve

In the final minute of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Give the dish a good mix, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using flavored broth or adding a splash of soy sauce while cooking.

Storing and Reheating

This quick ground beef and rice skillet is an excellent candidate for meal prep and leftovers. After letting the dish cool, transfer it to an airtight container, where it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat on low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat for short increments to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to be served on its own; however, I love pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can elevate the flavors even further.

For a touch of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce at the table. If you want to mix things up, sprinkle some cheese on top while it’s still hot for a gooey finish, or serve it with warm tortillas for a fun twist!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute can work well.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase heat.

→ Can this be meal prepped?

Absolutely! Just prepare the dish and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.