Ground beef and rice is a versatile, hearty dish combining cooked ground beef with rice and often vegetables or seasonings. It can be made as a simple skillet meal, a casserole, or stuffed peppers.
🥩 Ingredients (Basic Skillet Version)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and seasonings (paprika, cumin, Italian herbs)
- Optional: bell peppers, peas, carrots
🍳 Instructions (One-Pot Skillet Method)
- Brown the beef:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add rice & liquid:
- Stir in uncooked rice, tomatoes (if using), and broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Simmer:
- Cover and cook over low heat until rice is tender (about 18–20 minutes for white rice, 40–45 for brown).
- Optional finishing touches:
- Stir in cooked vegetables or cheese before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
🍽️ Variations
- Casserole: Bake beef and rice with tomato sauce and cheese.
- Stuffed peppers: Fill bell peppers with beef and rice mixture, then bake.
- Mexican style: Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans.
- Asian style: Add soy sauce, ginger, and vegetables.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that can be adapted for any flavor profile.
I can also give you a quick 30-minute recipe for a one-pot version that’s super flavorful if you want.
