Hearty Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Quick One-Pan Dinner (Print Version)

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is my go-to for busy nights. A savory, easy one-pan meal, packed with flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (optional)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 recommended)
02 - 1 cup Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice
03 - 2 cups Beef Broth
04 - 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained

→ Veggies & Aromatics

05 - 1 medium Onion, chopped
06 - 3 cloves Garlic, minced

→ Flavor Boosters & Spices

07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
08 - 1 tsp Chili Powder
09 - ½ tsp Cumin
10 - Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
12 - 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest, heaviest skillet – mine’s a cast iron beauty, well-seasoned, of course. Heat it over medium-high heat with a tiny swirl of oil. Toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, really get in there! We want it nicely browned, crumbly, and those delicious crispy bits forming. This is where a lot of the flavor for your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet starts, so don't rush it. Drain off any excess grease; I usually just tilt the pan and scoop it out with a spoon, trying not to burn myself. Oops, happens every time!
02 - Once the beef is browned and drained, push it to one side of the skillet. Add your chopped onion to the empty side, letting it soften for about 3-4 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen – that's when you know you're doing it right! Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times, and burnt garlic is just... sad. Stir it all together with the beef.
03 - Now, sprinkle in your chili powder and cumin. Stir them into the beef and onion mixture, letting them toast for about 30 seconds. This really wakes up those spices and deepens their flavor. Then, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are pure flavor, don't leave them behind!
04 - It's rice time! Add your uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. Give it a quick stir to coat the grains with all that deliciousness. Pour in the beef broth. Make sure the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid. This is where I always double-check my measurements; too little liquid, and you get crunchy rice; too much, and it's mushy. Balance is key, my friend.
05 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. If your lid isn't super snug, you can even put a piece of foil underneath it. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that wonderful liquid. Resist the urge to peek! Every time you lift the lid, steam escapes, and that messes with your rice cooking time. Trust the process!
06 - Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat, but keep that lid on for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and fluff up perfectly. After that, take off the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the lid back on for a minute or two, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh parsley. Honestly, it smells so good right now, you won't want to wait! Enjoy your hearty Ground Beef and Rice Skillet!

# Notes:

01 - Toasting the dry rice for a minute before adding liquid can add a subtle nutty flavor.
02 - Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
03 - Ground turkey can be used instead of beef, but you might want to add a bit more seasoning for flavor.
04 - A simple green salad or steamed veggies make a great side to this hearty dish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large
02 - heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
03 - cutting board
04 - chef's knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons
06 - wooden spoon or spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 30g

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