The Story & Intro
Hi👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
On the days when my heart feels full but my schedule feels heavy, I always come back to this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner. This recipe reminds me of evenings when the table was small, the kitchen was warm, and one simple pan of food brought everyone together. I didn’t grow up with fancy ingredients every night, but I grew up with meals that hugged you back and that’s exactly what this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner does.
I make this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner when I need comfort without complication. I make it when my family is hungry and I want dinner on the table fast. I make it when I want something filling, familiar, and deeply satisfying. This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner never lets me down.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s forgiving. Ground beef doesn’t judge you if you’re tired. Rice patiently waits while flavors come together. Everything cooks in one pan, and that feels like a small victory on a long day.
This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner feels like home. It stretches ingredients, feeds everyone, and reheats beautifully. I can dress it up with spices or keep it simple for picky eaters. Most of all, I love how it brings people to the table without stress.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
I keep these ingredients simple on purpose. This recipe works because each one plays a role.
- Ground beef gives richness and comfort
- Rice absorbs all the savory flavors
- Onion and garlic build a cozy base
- Broth replaces water for deeper taste
- Tomato sauce adds warmth and balance
- A few spices turn basics into magic
My little secret: I always toast the rice slightly before adding liquid. That tiny step makes the rice fluffy and flavorful instead of mushy.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I start by heating my favorite deep skillet. I add the ground beef and break it up gently, letting it brown until it smells rich and comforting. I stir in the onion and garlic and cook until everything softens and fills the kitchen with warmth.
Next, I sprinkle in the rice and let it toast for a minute. I pour in the broth and tomato sauce, season everything well, and bring it to a gentle simmer. I cover the pan and let it cook slowly until the rice absorbs all that goodness.
I finish with a quick taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs, depending on my mood.
How I Serve It at Home
I serve this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner straight from the pan, family-style. I love it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Sometimes I add warm bread on the side for scooping.
On cozy nights, I serve it in big bowls and let everyone curl up on the couch with their dinner.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.
I often make it ahead on Sundays and use it for quick lunches during the week.
100-Word Short Version
This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner is my go-to one-pan meal when I need comfort fast. I brown ground beef, sauté onion and garlic, toast rice, and simmer everything in broth and tomato sauce until perfectly tender. It’s simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This recipe feeds a family, reheats beautifully, and brings everyone to the table with minimal effort and maximum love.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet
- Add onion and garlic
- Stir in rice
- Add broth and tomato sauce
- Simmer until rice is tender
📝 Notes
Use long-grain rice for best texture.
🍽️ Nutrition
Comforting, filling, family-friendly ❤️
Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner is my cozy, one-pan answer to busy nights when I still want something warm, comforting, and family-friendly. I brown savory ground beef with onion and garlic, stir in rice, then let everything simmer gently in beef broth and tomato sauce until the grains turn tender and flavorful. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding hungry hearts with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, salt, and black pepper, coating the rice in the beef mixture for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it rest (covered) for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, I use long-grain white rice so it stays fluffy instead of turning mushy. If your skillet runs hot, keep the simmer low to prevent sticking, and add a splash more broth if the rice needs extra time. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken, or add a handful of frozen peas at the end for a pop of color. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a small splash of broth or water to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner feels like a warm hug after a long day. It reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place simple food, shared with love, always tastes better. I hope it finds a place at your table the way it has at mine.