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Easy One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

easy one pot ground beef and rice skillet - featured image

A quick, one-pot weeknight dinner featuring tender long-grain rice simmered in savory beef broth with seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic. This foolproof recipe delivers comfort food flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small pieces. Sear for 5-7 minutes until browned, then drain excess grease if desired.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir to coat and toast spices for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Add uncooked rice and stir to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to finish cooking and absorb moisture.
  7. Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in Worcestershire sauce if using. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Do not use instant rice or brown rice as they require different liquid ratios and cooking times. Ensure the lid stays on during simmering to trap steam. If rice is still hard after 18 minutes, add 1/4 cup water and cook 5 more minutes. For a cheesy variation, stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot meal, ground beef and rice, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy skillet recipe, comfort food, family friendly