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Cozy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

cozy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and diced tomatoes simmered together for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out rice and spices.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown. Stir and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with oil and spices. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
  7. 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.
  8. After 18 minutes, check rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most liquid. If still crunchy, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry, add a splash of broth.
  9. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley, cheese, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the rice for best texture. Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure rice cooks properly. For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

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