Quick Ground Beef And Rice Skillet

Name: Quick Ground Beef And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup rice (white or brown); 2 cups beef broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love how a simple combination of ingredients can come together to create a hearty meal, and this Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is my go-to recipe for busy weekdays. In just one pan, I can whip up a nutritious dinner filled with ground beef, rice, and vibrant vegetables. It’s not just quick; it’s bursting with flavor thanks to the spices I incorporate. Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this dish is satisfying and incredibly easy to customize with whatever ingredients I have on hand.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:37:10.451Z

When I first tried making a beef and rice skillet, I didn’t realize how effortless it would be to create such a flavorful dish in one pan. By browning the ground beef first, I developed a beautiful base for the dish. The key was adding the rice and broth right afterward, letting everything cook together and infuse with those rich flavors. It’s amazing how a few spices can elevate the taste so wonderfully.

I also learned that incorporating vegetables like bell peppers and peas not only adds nutrients but also a nice color and texture that makes each bite more enjoyable. Keeping everything in one skillet minimizes cleanup, making this recipe ideal for my busy evenings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and satisfying meal ready in 30 minutes
One-pan cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables

      

Ingredient Spotlight

The choice of rice in this dish can significantly impact the final texture and flavor. While white rice cooks quickly and absorbs the beef broth's essence beautifully, brown rice offers a slightly nutty flavor and more nutrients. If using brown rice, remember to extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, as it requires more liquid absorption.

Ground beef is a fantastic source of protein and adds richness to the dish, but don’t hesitate to swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. When using turkey, opt for a higher fat content (like 93/7) to maintain juiciness, as leaner varieties can dry out faster.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef is a crucial step that enhances the overall flavor through the Maillard reaction, generating deeper savory notes. Be patient while browning; this should take about 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the beef to develop a golden-brown crust before adding the vegetables. If you notice any leftover bits sticking to the pan, consider deglazing with a splash of broth to incorporate those flavors into the dish.

When simmering the rice, ensure you cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly. It’s tempting to peek, but resist the urge! If the rice seems undercooked after 15 minutes, simply add a few extra tablespoons of broth, cover again, and let it steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup rice (white or brown)
2 cups beef broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a fantastic dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, which should take about 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Combine Rice and Broth

Add the rice and beef broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring to a boil.

Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the frozen peas and cover for another 2 minutes to heat through. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Enjoy this delightful dish straight from the skillet!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. You can also swap out the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is ideal for meal prep. Prepare the dish, let it cool, then divide it into portion-sized containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual servings. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the flavors.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can cook the beef and vegetables in advance, then store them separately from the rice. When you're ready to serve, just cook the rice and mix everything together for a fresh meal without the wait.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands well on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a side salad for a refreshing crunch or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, can also add a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or slicing fresh jalapeños on top before serving. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can cool down the spices while adding creaminess to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook, so do some additional simmering.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add corn, carrots, or any summer vegetables you love. Get creative with seasonal produce!