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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Best 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner made with ground beef, rice, and simple pantry staples. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it simmered for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or a squeeze of lime

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it up into crumbles. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown one side.
  3. Stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fully browned. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the rice and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Add smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  9. Check the rice after 18 minutes; it should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still firm, cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry, add a splash of broth or water.
  10. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  11. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Do not stir the rice too much while cooking to avoid gumminess. Let the beef brown properly for best flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. For a gluten-free option, ensure broth is certified gluten-free. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and rice skillet, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, rice skillet

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