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

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring ground beef and rice cooked together in seasoned broth for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this 30-minute meal is a crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (jasmine or basmati preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and starting to turn golden.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice and stir into the beef mixture for about 1 minute to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove lid and check rice. If liquid remains, cook uncovered 2-3 minutes. If rice is firm, add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook 5 more minutes.
  8. Stir in frozen peas (if using) and let warm through for about 2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while simmering to prevent mushy rice. For best texture, use long-grain white rice. Brown rice requires adjusted liquid and cooking time. Can be made ahead and reheated. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, skillet dinner, comfort food, 30-minute meal

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