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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and hearty one-pan dinner made with ground beef, rice, and vegetables, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly meal is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley or cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until browned, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Push beef and vegetables to one side. Add tomato paste to the empty space and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add uncooked rice and stir to coat. Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. After 18 minutes, remove lid carefully. Rice should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed. If rice is still firm, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook for 3-5 more minutes. If excess liquid remains, cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam. Do not lift the lid during simmering. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and rice skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, budget-friendly dinner, 30-minute meal

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-one-pan-dinner/