Beef And Rice Skillet

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in one pan, look no further than this Beef And Rice Skillet. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that combines ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables all cooked to perfection in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying, no-fuss dinner, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal cleanup. From the tender beef infused with cumin and paprika to the fluffy rice soaking up the beef broth and diced tomatoes, every bite is pure comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste buds or what you have on hand.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Beef And Rice Skillet is a lifesaver for anyone who wants a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it quick and straightforward, but it’s also packed with flavor and texture. The combination of spices like cumin and paprika gives the dish a warm, smoky depth, while the bell pepper and onion add a fresh crunch and sweetness. The rice cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all those wonderful juices, so you get a perfect, one-pot meal every time.

If you’re a fan of easy skillet dinners like the Homemade 20 Minute Taco Rice Skillet, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s also budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped parsley for garnish

How To Make Beef And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by dicing your onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. Having all your veggies prepped before you start cooking will make the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika as it cooks to build that rich flavor base.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side and toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir the rice into the beef and vegetable mixture, letting it toast for about a minute. Then pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer Until Rice Is Cooked

Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not browning the beef properly: Make sure to brown the ground beef well to develop deep flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the toasting of rice: Toasting the rice for a minute or two before adding broth helps enhance its nutty flavor.
• Opening the lid too frequently while simmering: This lets steam escape, which can result in undercooked rice or longer cooking times.
• Using too high heat during simmering: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the rice or drying out the dish.
• Neglecting seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.

Variations and Customizations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
• Swap the rice: Try brown rice or a rice blend for added fiber and texture; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate corn, peas, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and color.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
• Herb variations: Replace parsley with cilantro or fresh basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Beef And Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the rice moist and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. This dish also freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may brown faster and can dry out if overcooked.

What type of rice works best for this skillet?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. However, you can experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice, adjusting cooking times as needed.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the skillet ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are added.

Conclusion

This Beef And Rice Skillet recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Combining the savory richness of ground beef with tender rice and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that everyone will love. Its simplicity, versatility, and satisfying taste make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or whenever you want a quick, comforting dinner. For a fresh take on bell peppers, try pairing this skillet with Stuffed Bell Peppers With Quinoa for a complete and colorful meal experience. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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