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Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings. This reliable, crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for busy families and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1.5 cups white or brown rice (long-grain white recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring spices and broth.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (about 7 minutes). Remove beef and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed. Sauté diced onion until translucent (3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  5. Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the spiced mixture. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, distributing it evenly.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to steam and finish cooking.
  9. Fluff with a fork. Top with shredded cheese if desired and serve.

Notes

For brown rice, increase cooking time and liquid slightly. To make dairy-free, omit cheese. For lower carb, substitute rice with cauliflower rice and reduce liquid. Ensure lid fits snugly to trap steam. Do not lift lid during simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice skillet, one pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, family friendly, comfort food, 30 minute meals

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-30-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-recipe/