How do I make a simple Beef Rice Skillet meal at home?

To make a simple Beef Rice Skillet, start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and your choice of seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Finish by stirring in frozen peas or corn for added flavor and color. This one-pan meal is quick, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights.

What cuts of beef work best for a Beef Rice Skillet recipe?

Ground beef is the most common and convenient choice for a Beef Rice Skillet because it cooks quickly and evenly. For a chunkier texture, you can use thinly sliced sirloin or stew meat, but these require browning then slow simmering until tender. Lean cuts with about 80% lean to 20% fat ratio provide good flavor without excess grease. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to simmer longer, as they may not become tender during a typical skillet cooking time.

Can I make Beef Rice Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, Beef Rice Skillet can easily be gluten-free by selecting naturally gluten-free ingredients. Use plain rice (white or brown), fresh vegetables, and unseasoned ground beef. Avoid pre-mixed seasoning blends or beef broth brands that contain gluten or wheat fillers. Instead, choose certified gluten-free broths and make your own seasoning mix with spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This way, you get a safe and delicious meal without gluten concerns.

How long does it take to cook Beef Rice Skillet from start to finish?

Preparing and cooking a Beef Rice Skillet typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Browning the beef and sautéing vegetables takes around 10 minutes, followed by adding rice and broth, then simmering covered for roughly 20 minutes until the rice fully cooks. Total time may vary slightly based on your stovetop and the type of rice used, but this meal is well-suited for quick dinners without long prep or cooking times.

What are good vegetables to add to Beef Rice Skillet for more nutrition?

Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, peas, corn, carrots, and spinach are excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrients. Bell peppers and carrots provide vitamin C and beta-carotene, while peas and spinach add fiber and iron. Adding a mix of fresh or frozen veggies during the cooking process not only increases the meal’s health benefits but also creates a colorful and satisfying dish without extra effort.

Beef Rice Skillet Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

Name: Beef Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium chopped onion (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder); 1 chopped green bell pepper (or up to 2 cups of other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, carrots, frozen veggie mix, broccoli, zucchini, or corn); 2 cloves minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (or alternatives like tomato paste with broth); 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef stock (or broth or water with bouillon); 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (adjust liquid and cooking time if using other rice types); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (especially when using poultry); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning the ground meat; 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for optional garnish

Description

🍳 Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers hearty comfort with minimal cleanup.
🍽️ This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, customizable with various meats and vegetables to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef

1 medium chopped onion (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)

1 chopped green bell pepper (or up to 2 cups of other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, carrots, frozen veggie mix, broccoli, zucchini, or corn)

2 cloves minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (or alternatives like tomato paste with broth)

1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef stock (or broth or water with bouillon)

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (adjust liquid and cooking time if using other rice types)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (especially when using poultry)

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil for browning the ground meat

1 cup shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for optional garnish

Instructions

1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it until it’s fully cooked, breaking it up as it goes. This step builds the base flavor and takes around 5-7 minutes.

2-Next, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking them until tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, beef stock, rice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low.

3-Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. For added variety, try pairing it with a creamy pasta dish for your next meal. Finally, top with shredded cheese and let it melt, then garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

⏲️ Adjust cooking time if using different types of rice to ensure it cooks fully.
🌿 Customize the recipe by swapping vegetables based on what you have available.
❄️ Leftovers freeze well; add a splash of liquid when reheating to keep texture moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: ground beef skillet, one pan meal, quick family dinner, easy rice skillet