Description
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal made with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and warm spices. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 1/4 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño for extra heat.
Stir in vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for added nutrition.
Swap Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flavor.
Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Not recommended for freezing due to rice texture changes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg