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