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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best One Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes

ground beef and rice skillet - featured image

This easy ground beef and rice skillet comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, featuring simple ingredients and big flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains turn slightly translucent at the edges.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, remaining salt, and pepper. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If the rice is still firm, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If dry, add ¼ cup of broth or water and continue cooking.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 2 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if using. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef properly for deep flavor. Toast the rice for a nutty flavor and to keep grains separate. Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure rice cooks properly. For different rice types, adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly. If rice is still crunchy, add ¼ cup broth and cook covered for 5 more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and rice skillet, one pan dinner, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, rice skillet