If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, this Ground Beef & Rice Skillet is the perfect solution. Made with simple pantry staples, minimal ingredients, and just one pan, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Ground beef and rice are two ingredients that always come in handy when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cheap, filling dinner, this skillet dish is a go-to. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and you can customize it based on what’s in your pantry.
I grew up eating versions of this meal because it’s one of those classic, no-fuss dishes that always hits the spot. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and comes together in 30 minutes or less. Plus, it’s easy to bulk up with extra vegetables, different seasonings, or even a cheesy topping if you’re feeling indulgent. Whether you want a Tex-Mex twist, an Asian-inspired stir-fry, or a simple homestyle version, this dish adapts beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable pantry staples.
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Use any spices, veggies, or proteins you have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for leftovers and freezer-friendly.
How to Make the Best Ground Beef & Rice Skillet
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving to the next step.
2. Add Aromatics & Veggies
Stir in ½ chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. For extra nutrients, you can toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or frozen peas at this stage.
3. Cook the Rice
Pour in 1 cup uncooked white rice, followed by 2 cups beef broth or water. Add ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
4. Finish with Flavor
Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in ½ cup canned diced tomatoes or 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a hint of richness. If you like a cheesy version, sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
What to Serve with Ground Beef & Rice?
This dish is filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some easy side options:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini pair well.
- A Crisp Green Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the richness.
- Warm Tortillas or Bread – Perfect for scooping up the beef and rice.
- A Side of Beans – Black beans or refried beans add extra protein and texture.
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
| Variation | How to Make It |
| Mexican Ground Beef & Rice | Add 1 teaspoon taco seasoning, use salsa instead of tomatoes, and top with avocado & sour cream. |
| Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet | Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese before serving. |
| Ground Beef Fried Rice | Use cooked rice instead of raw, scramble in an egg, and add soy sauce & sesame oil. |
| Spicy Version | Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños. |
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
- Meal Prep: Divide into meal prep containers with extra veggies for a balanced grab-and-go lunch.
Ground Beef & Rice Skillet
Ingredients
For the Beef & Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
For Extra Flavor:
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Aromatics & Veggies
- Stir in onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. If using, add diced bell peppers, carrots, or frozen peas at this stage.
Cook the Rice
- Add uncooked rice, beef broth, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Finish with Flavor
- Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato paste for extra depth. If adding cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover, and let it melt before serving.
Serve & Enjoy
- Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use brown rice instead of white, but add an extra ½ cup broth and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need an extra ½ cup of broth and about 10 more minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I add beans to make it heartier?
A: Absolutely! Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas are great additions.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure to stir occasionally, use a non-stick skillet, and don’t let the heat get too high.
Save This Recipe for Later
This Ground Beef & Rice Skillet is a true weeknight hero—easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a family dinner, or just looking for a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe is a must-try. Save this recipe to your “Budget Meals” board on Pinterest so you can make it anytime you need a hearty, no-fuss dinner!
Medical Disclaimer: This site offers educational and informational content only, not medical advice or professional services. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat health issues. Always consult a licensed physician for personal medical advice. Never delay seeking professional care or disregard medical advice due to content on this site. In emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest ER. Use of this site does not create a physician-patient relationship, and no guarantees are made regarding the information provided.
AI Disclaimer: This site may occasionally use AI-generated images to help enhance our content.
