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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce diced onions and vibrant red peppers into the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove from heat, immediately sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface. Cover for an additional 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a creamy blanket.
- 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