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Easy 15-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal made with ground beef, rice, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers comfort food in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked; basmati or jasmine work too)
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced fine, about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if beef is lean)
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn
  • Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop crispy brown bits.
  2. Once the beef is browned with some crispy edges, add the diced onion. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, coating the beef and onions.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (deglazing).
  6. Add the uncooked rice and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
  7. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. After 12 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If still firm, cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes. If adding peas or corn, stir them in now.
  9. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure even cooking. For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for flavor. If using lean beef, add a splash of oil. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet, 15-minute, weeknight dinner, one-pan, easy, quick

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-15-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/