Quick Ground Beef Rice Skillet Recipe: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor and chicken jalapeño rice skillet delivers exactly that.

Hearty ground beef mingles perfectly with fluffy rice and zesty spices.

Each bite promises a delicious blend of comfort and excitement.

The skillet method keeps cleanup simple and cooking time minimal.

Protein-rich beef creates a robust foundation for this one-pan wonder.

Colorful vegetables add brightness and nutrition to the mix.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, making it a reliable go-to for busy evenings.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes add a mild kick, but if you want more heat, you can choose a spicier version of Rotel or add some red pepper flakes during cooking.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic skillet cooking techniques that anyone can master quickly.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the skillet meal and reheat it later, though the rice might absorb more liquid when stored, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Ground Beef Rice Skillet Tasty Perks

• This ground beef rice skillet eliminates multiple dishes, saving you cleanup time and kitchen hassle. Less washing means more enjoying!
• Packed with protein from beef, colorful vegetables, and satisfying rice, this dish delivers balanced nutrition that keeps everyone happy and full.
• Swap ingredients like using different cheese types, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels makes this recipe super adaptable to your family's taste preferences.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can confidently prepare a delicious meal without complicated techniques or expensive components.

What You Need for Beef Rice Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the skillet dish.

• Onion, Red Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and color to the recipe.
• Garlic: A classic seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complexity to the beef mixture.
• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional flavor.
• Rotel Tomatoes: A zesty canned tomato product that brings moisture and mild spice.

• Rice: The main starch that creates a satisfying and filling base for the skillet.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and richness to the final dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that provides a fresh finishing touch.

Kitchen Tools for Beefy Rice Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and breaking up ground beef.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring rice, broth, and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and red peppers.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

Preparing a Beef Rice Skillet Meal

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the beef until it turns a rich golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra fat, then return the skillet to the stovetop.

Step 2: Embrace Colorful Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Red bell peppers

Stir and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Uncooked rice
• Rotel tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and coated.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer quietly for 20 minutes.

The rice will absorb the liquids and become wonderfully soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Melt and Garnish

Remove skillet from heat.

Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy blanket.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Beef Rice Skillet Tips You’ll Love

• Use high-quality ground beef with a bit more fat for richer taste and juicier results.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping in the skillet.
• Swap red peppers with zucchini or add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
• Make this dish ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Clean up is a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Fun Ideas for Skillet Variations

• Spicy Southwest Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken or black beans for a zesty protein alternative. Add jalapeños and swap Rotel for fire-roasted tomatoes to amp up the heat.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef. Incorporate Mediterranean spices like oregano and replace beef broth with vegetable stock. Top with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Keep all other ingredients the same and reduce cooking time since cauliflower cooks faster than traditional rice.

Bringing Beef Rice Skillet to the Table

• Flavor Boost Party: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or green onions on top for an extra crunch and burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken or add shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the skillet for a protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger.
• Fresh Sidekick Companions: Pair with a crisp garden salad, warm garlic bread, or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich and hearty beef and rice skillet.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Drizzle hot sauce, add sliced jalapeños, or mix in red pepper flakes for those who crave a spicy kick with their comfort food.

Best Ways to Store Beef Rice Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled skillet contents to freezer-safe containers, ensuring they last up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness, cover, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Easy Ground Beef Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground beef and rice mingle beautifully in this hearty skillet meal, offering comfort and satisfaction. Home cooks discover a quick, budget-friendly dinner solution with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long grain rice
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth
• 10 ounces (284 grams) Rotel tomatoes with chilies
• 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sizzling the ground beef with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until thoroughly browned and caramelized. Carefully drain excess fat, maintaining the savory meat in the pan.
2. Introduce diced onions and vibrant red peppers into the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Pour undraned Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
4. Gradually add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the rich, seasoned liquid. Increase heat momentarily, bringing the entire concoction to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, securely cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender.
6. Remove from heat, immediately sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface. Cover for an additional 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a creamy blanket.
7. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness before serving this hearty one-pan meal.

Notes

• Customize Protein Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s core flavors intact.
• Spice Control Adjust heat levels by choosing mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes, or add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase the kick according to personal preference.
• Rice Selection Use different rice varieties like brown rice, wild rice blend, or quinoa for added nutrition and texture, keeping cooking time and liquid ratios in mind.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the skillet meal in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg