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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet - featured image
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A quick, 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring tender long-grain rice and seasoned ground beef cooked together in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink and nicely browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired, but leave some for flavor.
  3. Push the beef to the side or mix it in. Add the diced onion to the center and cook until translucent and soft (3 minutes). Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds to prevent burning.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to caramelize the tomato paste slightly.
  5. Add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the rice and coat it in the beef fat.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the browned bits (fond). Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. Check the rice for tenderness. If needed, add a splash of water and cover for another 5 minutes.
  9. Remove the pan from heat. Keep covered and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and firm up.
  10. Fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Cover for 1 minute to melt the cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not stir the rice while it simmers to prevent a gummy texture. Toasting the rice before adding liquid is crucial for flavor and texture. If using brown rice, increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add more liquid. For a spicy kick, add jalapeño or chili powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, ground beef, rice skillet, quick weeknight meals, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-one-pan-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-30-min-dinner/