Ground Beef and Rice Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
When you need a quick, hearty meal that the whole family will love, this Ground Beef and Rice Recipe is the perfect solution. Made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, savory broth, tomatoes, and melted cheese, this one-pan dinner is packed with comforting flavors and comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly weeknight meal, an easy meal prep recipe, or a satisfying comfort food dinner, this ground beef and rice skillet is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Rice Recipe
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Rich, cheesy, and comforting
- Great for busy weeknights
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Prepare Ground Beef and Rice
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in:
- uncooked rice
- diced tomatoes
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
Mix everything together.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Rice
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffier results.
- Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks.
- Stir only occasionally to prevent mushy rice.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Variations
Mexican Ground Beef and Rice
Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
Cheesy Beef Rice Casserole
Transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Vegetable Version
Add peas, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy Version
Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Rice
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
- Steamed vegetables
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop
Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Increase the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken works well as a lighter option.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Rice Recipe is an easy, comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, flavorful tomatoes, and melted cheese come together in one skillet for a satisfying dinner that’s simple to make and even better as leftovers.
Ground Beef and Rice Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice.
- Lean ground beef (85–90%) reduces excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup sour cream before adding the cheese.
- Add vegetables like corn, peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Keep the skillet covered while simmering so the rice cooks evenly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Calcium: 220 mg
- Iron: 3.8 mg
- Vitamin A: 520 IU
- Vitamin C: 6 mg