30-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Table of Contents
Imagine a comforting meal, ready in just 30 minutes, that will delight your entire family using simple, flavorful ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers – delivering satisfaction without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When life gets hectic, this one-pan wonder comes to the rescue. It combines budget-friendly ground beef and rice with vibrant vegetables and zesty seasonings for a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
There’s so much to love about this skillet dinner:
The Flavor: A comforting blend of savory beef with a subtle Mexican twist that both kids and adults will enjoy.
The Speed: From pantry to table in just 30 minutes – perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
The Simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward. Who doesn’t appreciate that?
The Budget: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice makes this an economical choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
The Flexibility: This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available in your kitchen, making it a reliable go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Combine everything: Add the beef broth, uncooked rice, Rotel tomatoes with their juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, but these tips will help you achieve skillet dinner perfection every time:
Don’t pre-cook the rice. The magic of this one-pan meal is that the rice cooks directly in the flavorful broth, soaking up all those delicious seasonings as it softens.
Take your time with the vegetables. Those few minutes of sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic with the browned meat develop a foundation of flavor that makes all the difference.
Keep an eye on the liquid level. Different brands of rice may absorb liquid differently. If the rice isn’t quite done and the mixture seems dry, add a splash more broth and continue cooking until tender.
For spice lovers: Use “Hot” Rotel tomatoes instead of the original version for an extra kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:
Switch up the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can easily replace the beef for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with rice: While long-grain white rice is recommended, you can use brown rice (with adjusted cooking time and liquid), basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Play with vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. Frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or mixed frozen vegetables work beautifully.
Customize the seasonings: Add chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning for a more pronounced Mexican flavor, or Italian herbs for a different direction altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work wonderfully in this recipe.
What rice works best? Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can use brown rice (add about 1/4 cup more liquid and 10-15 minutes cooking time), basmati, or jasmine rice as well.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Replace the meat with two cans of drained black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I store leftovers? Store any remaining skillet dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet dinner stands perfectly well on its own as a complete meal, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner table:
Keep it simple: Pair with a fresh green salad and some Texas toast for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Transform it: Turn this dish into tacos or burritos by serving it with warm tortillas, sour cream, fresh salsa, and guacamole.
Add freshness: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition to balance the meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 381
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Sodium: 968.8mg
- Fat: 11.1g
- Carbohydrates: 34.7g
- Protein: 33.3g
- Cholesterol: 89.6mg
Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Your Turn to Try It!
If you give this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner a try, please leave a comment and rating below! I love hearing how the recipe worked for your family and what personal touches you added to make it your own.
Did you swap ingredients or create a unique variation? Share your photos on social media with #SkilletDinnerSuccess – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!
About the Author
Melissa Riker specializes in creating easy, quick family meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. With two hungry teenagers and a busy schedule, she understands the challenges of getting delicious food on the table night after night. Her practical approach to home cooking has helped thousands of families rediscover the joy of sharing meals together.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner, you might also like these family favorites:
- One-Pot Taco Pasta
- 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Simple Italian Meatball Skillet
Each recipe follows the same principles of simplicity, flavor, and family-friendly ingredients – perfect for your weeknight dinner rotation!
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