One Pan Ground Beef And Rice

Name: One Pan Ground Beef And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Collection

I love the convenience and flavor of One Pan Ground Beef and Rice. Cooking everything in one pan not only saves time on cleanup, but also allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when I want a hearty meal without sacrificing taste. The combination of tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying dinner that my whole family enjoys. Plus, the seasoning adds just the right amount of zing, making it a dish that I keep coming back to.

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:06:36.383Z

When I first tried making One Pan Ground Beef and Rice, I was pleasantly surprised by how everything cooked together in harmony. The flavors of the beef, spices, and vegetables intermingled perfectly, creating a dish that was not only filling but spectacularly tasty. I realized that cooking the rice in the same pan with the beef ensures it absorbs all those delicious juices and seasonings.

What really sets this dish apart is the simplicity of preparation. I can throw everything into one pan and let it simmer while I prepare a quick salad or dessert. It’s an excellent way to have a wholesome dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
Flavors meld beautifully for a delicious taste
Hearty and satisfying for the whole family

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Rice

Getting the rice just right can be a challenge, but with this one-pan recipe, it’s easier than you might think. The key is to ensure that the broth is brought to a rolling boil before adding the rice. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the beef and vegetables. Once the rice is added, stir it gently but do not overdo it; this will prevent it from becoming mushy.

As the dish simmers, keep an eye on the liquid levels. If you notice that the mixture looks too dry before the rice has fully cooked, add a splash more of beef broth. It’s essential to maintain that moist environment, which fosters the fluffy texture of the rice. Also, when stirring, do not over-stir after the initial mix; this can lead to sticky rice.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables. If you’re not a fan of red bell peppers, zucchini or peas can be excellent substitutes. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the meat you choose, so check for doneness accordingly.

For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also introduce other aromatics such as diced carrots or celery when sautéing the vegetables for an extra layer of taste and texture. These small adjustments can tailor the dish to your family's preferences while still keeping it simple.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

One Pan Ground Beef and Rice is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, allow it to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to regain some moisture before serving.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This makes it a convenient and hearty option for busy nights.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Make sure to have everything measured and ready for cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your One Pan Ground Beef and Rice:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rice, paprika, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

To add an extra kick, consider incorporating your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve One Pan Ground Beef and Rice with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance the meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.

Another option is to present it in individual bowls, allowing everyone to customize their toppings, such as grated cheese, avocado slices, or hot sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dish turns out a bit too dry, it might be that the rice absorbed more liquid than anticipated, or it simmered for too long. In this case, adding a small amount of warm broth during reheating can help restore moisture and flavor.

On the other hand, if the rice is mushy, it may have been overcooked or stirred too frequently during cooking. Next time, try to decrease the simmering time to about 15 minutes. Also, avoid stirring after adding the rice; this helps retain its structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and add additional liquid as brown rice typically requires more time to cook.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute can work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture while cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.