Ground beef and rice come together in this hearty, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this one-pan meal is a lifesaver when you need a quick, satisfying dinner.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for the whole family, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and packed with protein to keep you full. Plus, a few simple tricks can take it from classic comfort food to a restaurant-quality meal. Let’s dive into this flavorful and effortless ground beef rice recipe!
Key Benefits of Ground Beef and Rice
This ground beef rice dish is more than just a quick meal—it’s a flavorful, filling, and budget-friendly option for any night of the week. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Made with pantry staples like rice, ground beef, and seasonings, this dish delivers rich, savory goodness with minimal effort.
- One-Pan Convenience – Everything cooks in a single pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying – The combination of ground beef and rice creates a hearty, high-protein meal that keeps you full longer.
- Customizable & Versatile – Use white or brown rice, add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or peas, or spice it up with your favorite seasonings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for busy schedules and batch cooking.
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy, comforting meal, this ground beef rice recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients
Now that you know the benefits of this delicious ground beef rice dish, it’s time to gather your ingredients! This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly items that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- Olive oil
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This ground beef rice recipe is simple to make and full of flavor. Follow these easy steps for a delicious, hearty meal:
Cook the rice
Start by cooking your rice. In a medium pot, bring 1 1/2 cups of beef broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
Prepare the beef
While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up before adding any ingredients. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.
Add the spices and tomatoes
Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the beef and vegetables in the spices. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld for 3-4 minutes.
Combine with rice
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the delicious flavors. Continue cooking everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like more spice, add a bit more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
Serve the ground beef rice hot, and enjoy the savory goodness!
Pro Tips and Variations
Now that you’ve made this delicious ground beef rice dish, here are some pro tips and variations to take it to the next level. These little tweaks can help you customize the recipe to fit your taste and make it even more versatile!
For extra flavor: Try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the beef while it’s cooking. It gives the dish a rich, savory depth that everyone will love.
Add some heat: If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic. You can control the heat to match your preference.
Switch up the rice: While long-grain white rice is a classic, you can also use brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich option. Quinoa is another great choice if you’re looking to add a bit of protein and a nutty flavor.
Vegetable boost: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Try adding frozen peas, corn, or even diced zucchini. These add color, texture, and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
Make it cheesy: For a richer twist, top the finished dish with shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. Let it melt over the warm rice and beef for a gooey, delicious finish.
Meal prep tip: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat and enjoy a satisfying meal anytime.
Feel free to get creative with these tips and make this dish your own. The beauty of ground beef rice is how adaptable it is to different tastes, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef rice recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or making it part of a larger meal, here are some great serving ideas to elevate the experience:
Add a fresh side salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect contrast to the hearty, savory flavors of the ground beef rice. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw for extra crunch.
Top it with avocado: For a creamy touch, slice some ripe avocado and add it on top of your ground beef rice. The smooth texture complements the dish beautifully.
Serve with a side of beans: Pair your rice with a serving of black beans or kidney beans. The added protein and fiber make it even more filling and satisfying.
Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness. It’s an easy way to brighten up the dish and add a little extra flavor.
Pair with a simple vegetable side: Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans are a great option for balancing the richness of the beef. They provide color, texture, and a boost of nutrients to the meal.
No matter how you serve it, this ground beef rice is sure to be a hit! You can make it a complete meal by adding your favorite sides or enjoy it as is for a quick, delicious dinner.
Conclusion
This ground beef rice recipe is the perfect blend of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner or a dish that can be easily customized, this recipe has you covered. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
More Beef recipes you will love!
Ground beef and mashed potatoes
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making ground beef rice, along with helpful answers to guide you through the process:
Are ground beef and rice healthy?
Yes! Ground beef and rice can be a healthy meal when prepared with lean beef and balanced with plenty of veggies. Brown rice can also be swapped for white rice to increase the fiber content. This combination provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal.
Is beef and rice a good combo?
Absolutely! Beef and rice are a classic pairing, offering a delicious balance of protein and carbs. The beef provides rich flavor and essential nutrients, while the rice adds a filling and hearty base. Together, they make for a satisfying and comforting dish.
What does adding milk to ground beef do?
Adding milk to ground beef helps keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. It can also help mellow out the flavor of the beef, making it smoother and creamier, especially in certain recipes like meat sauces or meatballs. However, for this ground beef rice recipe, milk isn’t needed, as the beef’s natural juices and the broth keep everything flavorful and juicy.