One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

​Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is indulgent.​

2. Hearty & Filling: Ground beef and rice create a satisfying base, while the onions add sweetness and depth.​

3. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.​

4. Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.​

5. Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this savory, comforting skillet.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef​

• 2.5 cups chopped onions​

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder​

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)​

• 2½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)​

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)​

• Salt and pepper, to taste​

• Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped fresh parsley​

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)​

  • Sliced green onions​

Directions

1. Cook the Beef and Onions:

   • In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.​

   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.​

2. Add Rice and Seasonings:

   • Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.​

   • Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.​

3. Add Broth and Simmer:

   • Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine.​

   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.​

   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.​

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.​

   • Serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6​

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes​

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes​

• Total Time: 30 minutes​

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.​

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to introduce some heat to the dish.​

• Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy texture.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, or microwave in a covered dish until warmed through.​

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier option. However, it requires a longer cooking time and may need additional liquid.​

Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?

Draining excess fat helps reduce the dish’s greasiness and calorie content, but leaving a bit can enhance flavor.​

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.​

How can I make this spicier?

Incorporate spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, or add diced green chilies to the mix.​

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the beef and rice mixture, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.​

Conclusion

The One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a versatile and satisfying meal that brings together simple ingredients in a flavorful way. Its adaptability to various dietary preferences and ease of preparation make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite toppings and share it with family and friends.

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

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• Author: Chef Sara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a simple, hearty meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and tender rice in a single pan. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Customize with your favorite veggies or toppings for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy minimal cleanup!

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Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

2.5 cups chopped onions

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)

2½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped fresh parsley

Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Sliced green onions

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Instructions

• Cook the Beef and Onions:

  • In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.

  • Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

• Add Rice and Seasonings:

  • Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.

  • Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.

• Add Broth and Simmer:

  • Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine.

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

• Finish and Serve:

  • Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

  • Serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings, such as chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions.

Notes

Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or cumin to bring more heat and flavor.

Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy texture.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, or microwave until warmed through.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American