Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: A Quick and Easy Family Meal

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a meal that you can throw together in one pan without all the hassle. That’s why I love this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet—it’s a simple, filling meal that doesn’t require a ton of time or ingredients. And it’s one of those recipes that I can count on to please everyone at the table.

In this recipe, we take lean ground beef, hearty rice, and a handful of veggies to create a delicious, balanced meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, so clean-up is a breeze. Let me walk you through it!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This dish checks off so many boxes. It’s:

• Quick and easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. No complicated steps, just simple cooking.
• One-pan: I don’t know about you, but I love a good one-pan meal. Less mess, less stress.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or even use brown rice for a healthier twist. It’s the perfect base for a wide range of flavors.
• Kid-friendly: My kids absolutely love this meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and they actually eat their veggies when I make this!

So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss meal that’ll make everyone happy, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is just the thing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this hearty meal:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean ground beef works best)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (you can swap with brown rice for a healthier option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (I like using a mix of red and yellow for color!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no need to drain)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (chicken broth works too if that’s what you have on hand)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of shredded cheese (optional, but definitely worth it!)

That’s it! These are basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, which makes it perfect for those nights when you don’t want to run out to the store.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Let it cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using a fattier beef, but leave a little behind to add flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. I love how the bell peppers add a bit of sweetness to the savory beef.

Step 3: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now, add the rice to the skillet, stirring it in to coat it with all those delicious flavors. Then pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If you’re using brown rice, it may take a little longer, so check the package instructions for cook times and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Once the rice is cooked through and everything is nice and hot, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt. You can use any cheese you like—cheddar is always a good choice, but I’ve also used mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy effect. Once the cheese has melted, serve up a hearty portion of this delicious skillet meal!

Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

• Add extra veggies: You can easily sneak in more vegetables if you want to make this even healthier. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or corn.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers.
• Use brown rice: For a healthier, more filling version, swap the white rice for brown rice. It may take a little longer to cook, but it’s worth the extra time.
• Make it cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, don’t be afraid to go all in! You can top the skillet with extra cheese before serving, or even mix some in while it’s cooking.

Why This Recipe Works

When it comes to cooking, I’m all about finding recipes that are both easy and satisfying. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet fits the bill perfectly. It’s an all-in-one meal that packs in protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one simple dish.

It’s also a huge time-saver. Most of the time, I find myself scrambling for something quick to make on a busy weeknight, and this skillet always comes through. Plus, it’s so easy to double the recipe if you have a larger family or want leftovers for the next day.

And the best part? You can adjust it however you like. Want to add some spices to make it more flavorful? Go for it! Prefer to leave out the veggies? Totally fine. This is a base recipe that you can really make your own.

Leftovers and Meal Prep

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores for leftovers. After a busy night, I’m always looking for easy meals to have the next day, and this skillet dish makes the perfect lunch. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to meal prep for the week, you can make this in advance and portion it out into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats really well, too, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts on Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I need a delicious, stress-free meal. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, this skillet recipe will not disappoint.

The best part is that you can make it your own. Don’t like onions? Leave them out. Want to add a little extra flavor? Try a different spice blend. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about finding what works for you.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet a try. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do!