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
Scale
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.
