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The Best Cozy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

cozy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
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A warm, savory, and deeply satisfying one-pan meal made with ground beef, rice, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute recipe delivers comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Add smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still soupy, cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. If dry but rice is hard, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
  8. Remove from heat. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Toast the rice before adding liquid to prevent mushiness. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure proper rice cooking. Let the skillet rest covered for 2-3 minutes after cooking for best texture. For brown rice, increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add ½ cup more broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/the-best-cozy-one-pan-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/