Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

You can always use another great ground beef recipe in your weeknight rotation, and this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one to save. It’s hearty, filling, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The peppers, onions, garlic, and fire-roasted tomatoes bring depth and flavor, while the rice cooks right in the same pan, making this a true one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup.

This one-pan beef and rice dish is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that comes together easily, tastes like comfort, and makes great leftovers, too.

Why You Will Love This Beef and Rice Recipe

• One Pan, Less Mess: Everything cooks in the same skillet, meaning no extra pots and pans to clean.
• Budget-Friendly: This ground beef and rice skillet uses everyday ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned tomatoes.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust seasonings, spice level, and even protein based on what you have on hand.
• Comforting and Flavorful: The toasted tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, and Italian seasoning give deep, rich flavor to this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage all work well.
• Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice may be used (same measurement). Avoid instant rice.
• Bell Peppers: Use your favorite color.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work, if fire-roasted aren’t available.
• Chicken Stock: Beef stock can be used for a deeper flavor.

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Rice

1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to toast and deepen in flavor.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains in the tomato mixture for 30–60 seconds.
5. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes (including the liquid), then season with a pinch of salt, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
6. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture just to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender. Add a splash more broth, if needed.
8. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.

How to Serve and Store

• Serve this ground beef and rice skillet on its own for a complete meal, or pair with a side salad or air fryer chicken breast.
• Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving (optional, but delicious).
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
• This ground beef and rice skillet freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? You can, but the cooking time and liquid amount will change. Brown rice requires nearly double the liquid and 45–50 minutes to become tender. For a true one-pan quick dinner, long-grain white rice is best.
• What if the rice isn’t fully cooked when the liquid is gone? Just add a splash of broth (or water), cover, and continue to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, diced carrots, or spinach work well. Add heartier vegetables (like mushrooms and carrots) with the peppers. Stir tender greens (like spinach) in at the very end.
• How can I make it spicier? Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, add cayenne, or stir in a little hot sauce before serving.
• Can I make this cheesy? Definitely. Stir in shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella at the end and let it melt before serving. It turns the dish creamy and comforting.

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes to Love

• Cheesy Homemade Beefaroni
• Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper

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GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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