There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple and hearty dish that comes together in just one pan. My favorite is this ground beef and rice skillet—it’s not only quick to prepare, but it’s also a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you just want something delicious without the fuss. I remember my mom making this for us when we were kids, and it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of savory beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies always hits the spot! Plus, it’s so versatile; you can easily adapt it to use whatever you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious ground beef and rice skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can add in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!
How to Prepare the Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the ground beef. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s a lot of excess fat, don’t hesitate to drain some off; we want the beef to be flavorful but not swimming in grease!
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next up, it’s time to add in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. The smell at this point is just heavenly, right? You can already imagine how tasty this will be!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the diced tomatoes (juices and all!). Bring the mixture to a boil, which will only take a minute or so. It’s starting to look like dinner!
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Once you’ve reached a boil, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is the crucial step where the rice absorbs all that delicious beefy flavor! When the time’s up, check to make sure the rice is cooked through. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, and then serve it hot! Your family will be so excited to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef and rice skillet is a total game-changer for busy nights! Here’s why I think you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
- Quick and easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes!
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and relax afterward. Who doesn’t love that?
- Hearty and filling: This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making it perfect for the whole family.
- Customizable with favorite vegetables: You can easily throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, so it’s always a little different and never boring!
Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ground beef and rice skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. Also, feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables; zucchini, corn, or even spinach can be fantastic additions! Just remember to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. And lastly, if you prefer brown rice, it’ll require a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time, so keep that in mind. You got this!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the ground beef and rice skillet, it’s nice to know you’re feeding your family something wholesome! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per serving, but keep in mind that these can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is not just hearty but also a good source of protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect ground beef and rice skillet? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the liquid to about 2 1/4 cups and simmer for about 30-35 minutes. It’ll add a lovely nutty flavor to the dish!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also stir in your favorite hot sauce just before serving for that extra kick. Yum!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftovers! Just let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your ground beef and rice skillet is super easy! Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and you’re all set for a delicious meal again!
For more tips on cooking with ground beef, check out this USDA guide on cooking ground beef safely.
Z nadrukami
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: 5 Savory Comforting Steps
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and hearty dish made with ground beef and rice.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Instrukcje
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the rice, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Fluff the rice and serve hot.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: ground beef and rice skillet
