If you’ve been craving a comforting meal that is both hearty and simple to make, the Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This dish brings together savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables in one pan, creating layers of flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a soul-satisfying combination that manages to be both quick and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want something homey and wholesome without a long list of complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing an important role in creating the rich taste, appealing texture, and colorful look of the Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. Having fresh, quality produce and pantry staples on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and the outcome delicious every time.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness for sautéing and keeps the beef tender.
- Ground beef: The protein base that delivers juicy, savory flavor essential for this dish.
- Onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth to balance the robust beef.
- Green pepper (diced): Brings a fresh, slightly crisp bite and lovely green color.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Impart a fragrant and slightly spicy aroma that enhances every spoonful.
- Salt: Amplifies all the natural flavors in the skillet.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness to round out the seasoning.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide juiciness and tangy brightness to keep the dish vibrant.
- Beef stock: Infuses the rice with deep, meaty flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Rice (uncooked long-grain): Absorbs all the savory liquids and ties the ingredients together perfectly.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s texture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity that elevates the overall taste.
- Bay leaf: A hidden touch of earthiness that rounds out the dish’s aroma.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts on top to create a creamy, golden crust that’s irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkles a burst of freshness and lovely color at the end.
How to Make Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed. Then toss in the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything until the veggies soften nicely and their aromas fill your kitchen. This step builds the flavor foundation you’ll love throughout the dish.
Step 2: Season and Add Tomatoes
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the beef and vegetables, stirring well so every bite is perfectly seasoned. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. This will bring moisture, acidity, and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory meat. Tomato paste goes in next, enhancing the saucy texture and deepening the tomato flavor even more.
Step 3: Stir in Rice, Broth, and Flavor Enhancers
Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, mixing it well to coat every grain with those tasty juices. Pour in the beef stock slowly while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce and tuck in the bay leaf. These ingredients meld together to create a rich, savory broth that cooks the rice perfectly while infusing each bite with an irresistible umami kick.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the flavorful broth and tenderizes beautifully. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often; keeping it covered locks in steam so the rice cooks evenly and ends up fluffy, yet moist and tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Fresh Parsley
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again briefly just to let the cheese melt into a creamy, gooey layer. Finally, scatter fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast that wakes up every forkful with a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra fresh parsley or even a few sliced green onions can brighten both the taste and appearance. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce will add creaminess or a spicy kick if you want a little extra excitement. These simple touches take your Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe to a new level of yum.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables can provide balance and freshness. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce that clings to the rice and beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skillet right at the table for a casual, family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in together. Or, you can portion it into individual ramekins and top each with a sprinkle of cheese and parsley for a more refined look. Either way, the colorful layers and comforting texture make it a dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes even better, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results and reheat thoroughly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to restore that perfect creamy texture. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley after warming brightens it right back up.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on moisture levels to make sure it cooks through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels on items like beef stock and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they don’t contain additives with gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock, and replace cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a slightly different but still delicious umami boost. Adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar can also mimic some of the tangy complexity Worcestershire provides.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots, corn, peas, or mushrooms based on what you have in your fridge. Just add them when you sauté the onions and peppers to let them cook through evenly and complement the dish’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe truly feels like a warm hug served on a plate. It’s approachable, quick, and packed with flavor—everything you want from a weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort. If you’re looking for a recipe that pleases a crowd, fills your kitchen with amazing aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds, this skillet is ready to become a cherished staple in your cooking rotation.
Print
Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with diced onion, green pepper, and garlic, then simmered with tomatoes, beef stock, rice, and seasonings. The dish finishes off with a melty cheddar cheese topping and fresh parsley for a delicious, comforting dinner that’s easy to make and packed with satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Pantry and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1.75 cups beef stock
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned. This creates a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add vegetables and aromatics: To the cooked beef, add the diced onion, diced green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, building flavor.
- Season the mixture: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to season the meat and vegetable mixture evenly.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Pour in the 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes, 1.75 cups of beef stock, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1.5 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to combine well.
- Incorporate rice and bay leaf: Add the 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice along with 1 bay leaf to the skillet. Stir gently, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer until rice is cooked: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and parsley: Remove the lid, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover again for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Finally, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the bay leaf, give the skillet a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese, and serve hot. This makes for a comforting, filling meal for four.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture; instant or quick-cooking rice will alter cooking times.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Be sure to check the rice at 18 minutes to prevent overcooking, as stovetop temperatures vary.
- You can add additional vegetables like corn or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during seasoning.
