Have you ever wondered how to create a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love? ground beef and rice recipes are the answer to busy weeknight dinner dilemmas. Making these hearty dishes at home not only saves money but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize flavors to your family's preferences. These simple, one-pot wonders combine protein-rich ground beef with fluffy rice and aromatic vegetables, creating a complete meal that's both nutritious and incredibly comforting. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this classic combination delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
For the Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
This recipe is faster than ordering takeout and significantly healthier! You can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is precious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with the beef mixture. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through properly. The ground beef and rice recipes turn out perfect when you resist peeking!
Step 5: Fluff and Finish Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and add optional cheese on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
- Iron: 22% DV
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Dietary Swaps: - Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth. - Keto-friendly: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and reduce cooking time to 10 minutes. - Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Flavor Variations: - Add 1 cup frozen corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex twist - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option - Stir in mushrooms for extra umami depth
Meal Prep Tips: This easy ground beef and rice casserole works wonderfully for batch cooking. Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Lifting the Lid Too Often Resist the urge to check on your rice constantly. Each time you lift the lid, steam escapes, which can result in undercooked, crunchy rice.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Rice-to-Liquid Ratio Always use a 1:2 ratio for white rice. Too much liquid makes it mushy; too little leaves it crunchy.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Resting Time Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the rice to finish steaming and makes it perfectly fluffy.
Mistake 4: Overcrowding the Pan Use a pan large enough to allow even heat distribution. A crowded pan leads to uneven cooking.
Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store your ground beef and rice recipes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Reheating Instructions: - Microwave: Add a splash of water or broth, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. - Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water, stirring occasionally. - Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes.
For freezing, portion your easy ground beef and rice casserole into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture remains excellent, making this perfect for meal prep Sunday sessions!
