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An Easy Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner, cooked in a single pan.

Comforting One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

This comforting one-pan beef and rice skillet is a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Ground beef, rice, and vegetables are cooked together in a flavorful broth, making for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional
  • 1/2 tsp cumin optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Optional

For Serving (Optional)

  • Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in uncooked rice, ensuring it's coated. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (with liquid), adding frozen vegetables now if using.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove skillet from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff rice with a fork. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cover briefly to melt, then garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering stage, and remove it before serving. Adjust chili powder and cumin to your preferred spice level. This recipe can also be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.