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 uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Effortless Plate Creations

I love quick and delicious meals that make my busy days easier, and this Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one of my favorites. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a hearty dinner in no time. The flavors meld beautifully, and the one-skillet method makes cleanup a breeze. By cooking the beef and rice together, I ensure every grain is infused with mouthwatering seasoning that elevates the dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when a comforting meal is just what I need.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:52:08.125Z

When I first came up with this Quick Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipe, I was struggling to find something that wouldn't take hours to prepare after a long day. I wanted something that could bring my family together without overwhelming my schedule. The combination of ingredients I chose not only delivers richness but also showcases how comfort food can be made quickly.

Another tip I've learned is to toast the rice lightly in the pan before adding the broth. This simple step enhances the flavor remarkably and adds a delightful nuttiness to the dish. I often pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal that's sure to please everyone!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A hearty meal that's quick and satisfying
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
Flavorful and customizable with your favorite veggies

Ingredient Insights

Using quality ground beef is crucial for this dish, as it provides depth of flavor to the skillet. I recommend selecting a blend that is around 80/20 (meat to fat) for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor. Leaner cuts can be dry, while fattier options can make the dish greasy. If you're looking for a lighter twist, ground turkey can substitute well, but it might require additional seasonings to enhance its flavor.

The rice used in this recipe is pivotal for texture and absorption. Long-grain white rice works exceptionally well, as it cooks evenly and doesn’t become overly sticky. Brown rice is a fantastic healthy alternative but will require an adjustment in cooking time; you’ll need about 30-35 minutes instead of the 15 minutes for white rice. Just ensure you check the liquid levels during cooking to avoid drying it out.

Perfecting Your Technique

To achieve the best texture for the beef, ensure it's broken up into small pieces while browning. This increases the surface area that browns, contributing to a rich, savory depth. Use a wooden spoon to stir frequently to avoid large chunks; this also helps incorporate the flavors of the onion and garlic evenly throughout the dish.

Watching the simmering process is essential. When you bring the broth to a boil, keep a close eye to transition it to a gentle simmer. A rapid boil can lead to uneven cooking of the rice, possibly resulting in some grains being undercooked while others are mushy. A low simmer ensures that the rice cooks uniformly, absorbing all that delightful flavor from the broth and seasonings.

Serving and Storage Tips

This dish is wonderfully versatile for serving! Try topping it with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. A squeeze of lime can also brighten up the flavors significantly. For a Tex-Mex twist, consider adding cheese on top and broiling for a couple of minutes until golden and bubbly.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This skillet meal reheats beautifully—simply warm it on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out. If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and then add the rice and broth when you're ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent. Increase the heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add Rice and Seasonings

Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing well to ensure the meat and rice are fully coated in the seasoning.

Pour in Broth and Cook

Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir in Peas and Carrots

Once the rice is cooked, add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring until they are heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve Hot

Serve the skillet hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your quick and hearty meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or fresh herbs into the dish. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can all complement the flavors beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly so that they retain a bit of crispness. Adding cooked ingredients towards the end can keep their texture vibrant and appealing.

For an added kick, incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or chili flakes during the seasoning step. This will bring a warmth that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the beef and broth. For those who enjoy a fusion approach, consider substituting soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the rice undercooked after the simmering phase, it may be due to insufficient liquid. Simply add a bit more broth (or water) and continue to simmer while keeping an eye on it to prevent sticking. Conversely, if the rice appears mushy, check the heat level; it could have been simmered too vigorously, which can break down the grains.

Another common issue is if the dish seems bland after finishing. Boost the flavor by adding a splash of additional soy sauce or seasoning to your taste. Some freshly cracked black pepper just before serving can enhance the flavors as well, adding a hint of spice and freshness to every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ What can I use as a substitute for beef broth?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just replace the ground beef with your choice of plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.