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Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: One Pan, Zero Leftovers

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

Every home cook needs a recipe that saves the day when the fridge is thin and the clock is ticking. This ground beef and rice skillet is a one-pan, forty-minute meal using pantry staples. It yields a cheesy, savory dinner that tastes like it simmered all afternoon, with the rice cooking perfectly right in the beefy, tomatoey broth.

  • Total Time40 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 whole green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

Sauce & Rice

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Topping & Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped (optional))

Instructions

  1. Get a Real Sear on That Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, press it into a flat, even layer, and do not touch it for 4 to 5 minutes to let a golden crust form on the bottom.
  2. Build the Aromatic Base: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper, breaking the meat into pieces as you go. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
  3. Add Everything Else: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef stock, dry rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to distribute the rice evenly.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time so the steam can properly cook the rice.
  5. The Cheese Blanket Finale: Remove from heat and stir the rice mixture. Scatter the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not use instant rice or brown rice for this recipe, as the liquid ratios and cooking times will be off. Letting the beef sear undisturbed for the first few minutes is crucial for building a deep, rich flavor foundation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480
  • Sodium: 720
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 33

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-one-pan-zero-leftovers/