Print

Cozy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

ground beef and rice skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting one-pan dinner with ground beef, rice, and a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. This simple recipe delivers big flavor in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 8 oz (1 cup) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a brown crust. Then stir and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add seasonings: Sprinkle paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Add liquids and rice: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add rice and stir until well combined, ensuring rice is submerged.
  6. Bring to a boil: Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Simmer and cover: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  8. Check and rest: Remove lid carefully. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If needed, cook 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the rice in the skillet for 2 minutes before adding liquids. Don’t lift the lid while simmering to ensure fluffy rice. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-20-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/