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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Best Family Dinner Recipe

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This easy ground beef and rice skillet is an affordable, one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a budget-friendly, customizable meal that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works well for flavor, but lean is fine too)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked; jasmine or basmati work great)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted adds nice depth)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is even better if you have it)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and turns slightly opaque at the edges.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover again and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are heated and the rice is tender.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and shredded cheese if using, then serve warm.

Notes

Do not skip toasting the rice for better texture. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. If rice is still crunchy after 18 minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes. For brown rice, increase broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and rice skillet, easy dinner recipe, one-pan meal, budget-friendly dinner, family dinner recipe, ground beef recipe, rice skillet

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-best-family-dinner-recipe/