Tired of a mountain of dishes after cooking dinner? Imagine a flavorful, hearty meal that comes together in just one pan, satisfying everyone at the table with minimal fuss. Our One-Pan Savory Seasoned Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is here to make that dream a reality! This recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering incredible taste and effortless cleanup.
This isn't just a simple recipe; it's a game-changer for your dinner routine. Succulent, perfectly seasoned ground beef combines with fluffy, aromatic rice, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It's the kind of comforting, wholesome meal that you'll want to make again and again, whether you're short on time or just craving something truly delicious.
The Magic of One-Pan Meals
One-pan recipes are celebrated for a reason – they simplify cooking without compromising on flavor. This ground beef and rice skillet embodies that principle perfectly. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Effortless Cleanup: The biggest draw! Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Speedy Preparation: Designed for efficiency, this meal goes from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes, ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: A carefully chosen blend of spices infuses every grain of rice and piece of beef, creating a deeply satisfying taste profile.
- Family Favorite: Its universally appealing flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring a peaceful dinner time.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Ready to reclaim your evenings? Let's dive into how to create this incredible dish!
[IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER_0]Gather Your Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this skillet meal lies in its accessible ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Quality components are key to a delicious outcome!
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the rich, savory foundation for the dish. Choose a leaner blend to reduce excess grease.
- Long-Grain White Rice: The perfect canvas to absorb all the wonderful flavors. It cooks up light and fluffy right in the pan.
- Diced Tomatoes (Undrained): Adds moisture and a touch of tangy sweetness that complements the beef.
- Beef Broth: Essential for cooking the rice and infusing the entire dish with deep, savory notes.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone, building a foundational layer of flavor.
- Essential Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano create a warm, inviting, and savory profile that is truly irresistible.
With these humble ingredients, you're just a few steps away from a sensational meal.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Success
Achieving one-pan perfection is simple when you follow a few key tips:
- Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to brown the ground beef evenly. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the beef in batches. This creates depth of flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics Gently: Cook the diced onion until translucent and the garlic until fragrant. This softens their flavors and releases their sweetness without burning.
- Resist Peeking: Once the rice mixture is simmering and covered, avoid lifting the lid. The steam trapped inside is crucial for the rice to cook evenly and become perfectly fluffy.
- Allow for Resting Time: After the cooking time, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and steam, resulting in a superior texture.
Looking for another comforting beef dish? Our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe offers a different take on beef and is perfect for a lazy weekend. If you're after more quick dinner ideas, consider this delightful Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide! for another speedy meal.
This One-Pan Savory Seasoned Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is more than just a recipe – it's your ticket to stress-free, delicious weeknight dinners. It's satisfying, incredibly easy to make, and keeps cleanup to a blissful minimum. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to your new favorite go-to meal!
For more inspiration and techniques to streamline your kitchen routine, exploring easy one-pan dinners on Food Network can provide a wealth of new ideas.
FAQs
Can I add vegetables to this One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can stir in diced bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn along with the rice for added nutrients and flavor. Just ensure they are cut small enough to cook through in the given time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To kick up the heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeu00f1os along with the onions and garlic. Adjust to your preferred level of spice!
What are some good toppings for this ground beef and rice skillet?
For extra flavor and texture, consider topping your skillet with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While long-grain white rice is recommended for its consistent texture and cooking time, you can experiment with other types. Brown rice will require more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time. Basmati or jasmine rice can also work with slight adjustments to liquid and cooking duration, as they cook a bit faster than standard long-grain white rice.
One-Pan Savory Seasoned Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced
Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups beef broth
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Shredded cheese or sour cream (for topping, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
Step 4: Add the rinsed long-grain white rice, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
Step 7: Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy your easy one-pan meal!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños with the garlic. You can also add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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