One Pan Ground Beef And Rice

Name: One Pan Ground Beef And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Fast & Delicious

I love making One Pan Ground Beef and Rice because it is not only a comfort food classic but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just one pan, I can create a flavorful dinner that the whole family enjoys. The combination of tender ground beef with seasoned rice and vegetables is comforting and satisfying. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when we crave something hearty but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:37:35.681Z

When I first tried this One Pan Ground Beef and Rice, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together. The beef becomes juicy and tender, while the rice absorbs all the delicious seasoning. I often add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder to elevate the flavor even more. It’s always a hit during family dinners!

One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of bell peppers for added color and nutritional value. This not only enhances the dish visually, but also packs it with vitamins. Plus, it makes the kitchen smell heavenly as everything cooks together. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal
Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced dinner
One-pan method means minimal cleanup for busy cooks

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star of this One Pan Ground Beef and Rice dish is the ground beef, which adds heartiness and richness. Opt for lean ground beef to minimize grease, particularly when cooking. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken can work just as well; these options offer slightly different flavors but maintain a similar texture. Additionally, using quality beef broth enhances the overall taste, so choose low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of the dish.

Rice plays a crucial role in absorbing flavors in this recipe. Long-grain white rice is ideal due to its fluffy texture upon cooking, but you can substitute with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time—approximately 30-40 minutes—so adjust the simmering time accordingly. If you're in a pinch, quick-cooking rice or even quinoa can substitute effectively, though their cooking methods differ slightly.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The technique of browning the beef is essential for developing deep flavors in this dish. Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the beef, which helps in creating that desirable Maillard reaction—the browning process that adds an array of savory flavors. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, and be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; this can lead to steaming rather than browning. If you find the beef releasing too much liquid, consider draining it briefly before adding the vegetables.

When simmering your rice and broth mixture, keeping the skillet covered is key. This allows the steam to circulate and cook the rice evenly. If you notice that after 20 minutes the rice is still a bit firm, add a splash more broth or water, cover again, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Fluffing the rice with a fork before serving ensures a light and airy texture, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain remains distinct.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Your meal is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One Pan Ground Beef and Rice can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out during the process.

If you're looking to store the dish for even longer, consider freezing it. After cooking and cooling, portion the meal into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual. The flavors may even improve as they meld during storage, making this a convenient dish to have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Ground Beef and Rice dish is versatile, and it can be served in various ways. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices or a simple green salad for a touch of crunch and color.

To elevate the meal further, try adding some cheese. Feta, parmesan, or even shredded cheddar can be sprinkled on top just before serving, allowing it to melt into the warm rice. You can also customize the dish by incorporating additional vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, during the vegetable step. This not only adds nutrients but also creates a more vibrant plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to sneak in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or corn.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.