Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires barely any cleanup? The One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet brings all your favorites together in a single skillet for a hearty meal that’s rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying. With tender ground beef, fluffy white rice, colorful veggies, and a perfectly melted layer of cheddar cheese, this dish is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again — especially on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet comes together with everyday essentials, each one pulling its weight for flavor, texture, and color. The ingredients might sound simple, but together they make magic — let’s break down what you’ll need and why you’ll love each component.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Lean, juicy ground beef is the heart of this dish, adding savory richness and plenty of protein.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): The rice cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all the wonderful flavors and becoming tender and fluffy.
- Small onion (diced): A bit of sharp sweetness that rounds out the savory elements and infuses the whole skillet with flavor.
- Bell pepper (diced): Brings color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness — use any color you like!
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because nothing says comfort food like that irresistible aroma of garlic.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): This adds warmth and a hint of smokiness — feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and a beautiful red hue.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of dried herb for subtle Mediterranean notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make every bite sing; you can adjust this depending on your broth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick to balance the other spices.
- Beef broth (2 1/4 cups): Soaks into the rice and beef, making everything irresistibly savory — use low-sodium if you prefer.
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 cup, with juices): Adds tanginess and moisture, plus those lovely pops of tomato all through the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The cheesy topping melts into gooey perfection, tying everything together.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and bringing out the natural sweetness in the vegetables.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and color when serving.
How to Make One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, and give them a few minutes to soften and get fragrant — about 3 to 4 minutes. Once they start to look translucent and a little glossy, stir in your minced garlic and let it sauté for a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely so you get that delicious savory flavor throughout the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet. If there’s a lot of excess grease, carefully drain it off so your dish doesn’t get heavy.
Step 3: Season Everything
Now’s the time to sprinkle in your chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir them in well, coating the beef and veggie mixture so every bite of the finished dish is flavorful. Watching the spices blend and release their aromas is such a satisfying part of cooking this meal!
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with all their juices for extra flavor), and beef broth. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed, and make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet — that’s where a ton of flavor lives.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Bring the skillet to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it all simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Patience is key here — no peeking too often, so the steam can work its magic!
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Garnish
Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover again for a couple of minutes, just until everything melts together in a glorious, cheesy layer. If you like, shower the top with a handful of fresh parsley to make your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet extra inviting before you dig in.
How to Serve One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a finishing touch to make your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet pop. A sprinkle of chopped parsley delivers freshness and a vibrant green contrast, while sliced green onions or a swirl of sour cream can also elevate the look and taste. If you like a little heat, a few thin jalapeño rounds are a great choice.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is a star on its own, but sides can make it shine even brighter. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or warm tortillas to scoop up every last bit. For an extra treat, try serving with avocado slices or some crunchy tortilla chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet into fun stuffed peppers for a party? Simply spoon the finished mixture into hollowed bell peppers, sprinkle with a bit more cheese, and bake until bubbly. Or pile the skillet mixture into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist — both options turn this classic into something new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet keeps like a champ in the fridge. Transfer any extra to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors have a chance to mingle even more, so your next-day lunch or dinner will be especially tasty.
Freezing
This dish also freezes beautifully for busy nights ahead. Cool the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It will stay great for up to three months. Just be sure to write the date on your container so you know when to pull it out for a ready-made meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a portion in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through so it heats evenly. If you’d prefer to reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to prevent sticking and keep the rice tender. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you like, and it’ll taste just as wonderful as day one.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice. Just increase the beef broth to 2 3/4 cups and simmer the dish for 35 to 40 minutes instead of the usual 18 to 20. The result is a nuttier flavor and a little extra chew — totally worth it if you love whole grains.
Is the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet spicy?
This skillet meal is flavorful and warmly spiced, but not hot. If you want more kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or stirring in some diced jalapeños with the veggies.
What kind of ground beef is best?
An 85% lean ground beef is perfect: rich enough for great taste but not overly greasy. If you use a fattier blend, be sure to drain the excess fat before adding your spices.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils, swap in veggie broth, and you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying one-pan meal that everyone can enjoy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
You sure can! Just use a really big skillet or a Dutch oven to fit everything comfortably, and watch the cooking time — it may need a few extra minutes for the rice to cook through when scaling up. The One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers big on comfort, flavor, and ease, the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is exactly what you need. Every bite is loaded with goodness, and cleanup takes just minutes — what’s not to love? I hope you make this a staple in your kitchen and enjoy sharing it with friends and family as much as I do!
Print
One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines flavorful ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a savory dish topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Seasonings and Rice: Stir in chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover for a few minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use brown rice with adjusted cooking time and broth amount.
- For a spicier dish, consider adding cayenne or jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
