Description

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice simmered in savory beef broth, this dish is both comforting and easy to prepare. With vibrant spices like paprika and Italian seasoning, plus optional melted cheddar cheese, it serves as a delicious and satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Meat

1 pound ground beef

Pantry

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Dairy (optional)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasy texture.
Add rice and seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything evenly.
Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
Cook until rice is tender: Allow to simmer covered for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Avoid stirring during this time to ensure even cooking.
Add cheese (optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top, cover again, and let it melt for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm as a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken to create a lighter version of this dish.
You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time and add more broth accordingly.
Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or spinach for more nutrition and variety.