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Cozy 30-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan meal where rice simmers directly in seasoned beef broth, creating a cozy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the spices toast for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the uncooked rice and stir for about 1 minute to coat in the beef fat and spices.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid frequently.
  8. After 18 minutes, check the rice. If still crunchy, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  9. If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  10. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use long-grain white rice and avoid instant rice. If using a higher-fat ground beef, drain excess fat after browning. For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-30-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-dinner/