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Classic Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned rice, and comforting flavors that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it develops a nice brown crust.
  2. Push beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onion and bell pepper to the cleared space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent. Add minced garlic during the last minute.
  3. Stir everything together and sprinkle paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Cook for another minute until the spices become aromatic.
  4. Pour in the uncooked rice, stirring to distribute evenly. Add beef broth and drained diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, then top with shredded cheese and sliced green onions.

Notes

Brown rice can be substituted but requires 35-40 minutes cooking time and extra ½ cup broth. Don't lift the lid while rice cooks to prevent steam from escaping. Let skillet rest 5 minutes after cooking. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.