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Easy One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

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A simple, comforting one-pot meal with ground beef, rice, and vegetables that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is forgiving, adaptable, and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed (jasmine or basmati)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, a squeeze of lime

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear.
  2. Heat the oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it apart and let it brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total.
  3. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  7. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil and spices. Toast for 1 minute.
  8. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pan.
  9. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  11. After 18 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a handful of shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, use long-grain white rice and rinse it well. Do not lift the lid during the first 18 minutes of simmering. If rice is still crunchy after 20 minutes, add ¼ cup hot water, cover, and cook 5 more minutes. For brown rice, increase liquid by ½ cup and cook 40-45 minutes. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice added at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, rice, skillet, weeknight dinner, easy, comfort food

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