Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a simple, one-pan meal that’s hearty and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory beef, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables all cooked together for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and ground beef. Break the beef apart as it cooks, seasoning with salt and pepper until browned.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the paprika and dried oregano to evenly coat the beef and vegetables.
4. Step 4: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring so it gets coated with the beef and veggie mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
6. Step 6: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Fluff the rice, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap the bell pepper for diced zucchini or mushrooms for different textures.
• For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly, as brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Vegetables and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, long-grain white rice, and fresh vegetables simmered together with aromatic spices and beef broth. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, topped optionally with melted cheddar cheese for added richness.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
3. Add spices: Sprinkle paprika and dried oregano into the skillet. Stir to combine evenly with the beef and vegetables.
4. Add the rice: Pour the long-grain white rice into the skillet, stirring well to coat all the rice grains thoroughly with the beef and vegetable mixture.
5. Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir everything, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Finish and serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet and cover briefly to let the cheese melt before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
• Long-grain rice is recommended for fluffiness; do not rinse rice to keep flavors intact.
• If you prefer spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the paprika and oregano.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute cheddar cheese with a reduced-fat variety or omit it entirely.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• This recipe can be adapted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.

Keywords: ground beef skillet, beef and rice recipe, one pan meal, easy dinner, stovetop recipe, quick ground beef dinner