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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pan ground beef and rice skillet that comes together in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) white rice (long-grain, basmati, or jasmine; not instant)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the ground beef. Break it up into large chunks and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned on one side. Stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total.
  3. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan (add a splash of oil if lean).
  4. Add the diced onion to the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent with lightly browned edges.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  7. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in the rice and return the browned beef to the pan. Stir to combine.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  10. After 18 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still firm, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If done, remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  11. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the beef deeply without rushing. Toast the rice in the pan with onions and garlic for 60 seconds before adding liquid for extra nuttiness. If rice isn’t done but liquid is gone, add 1/4 cup hot broth and cook 3-4 more minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, one-pan, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet dinner, budget-friendly, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-one-pan-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe/