Lu-Ann Simon January 1, 2026

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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Name: Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, peas, carrots); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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There is something deeply comforting about a single skillet bubbling on the stove, steam carrying the scent of seared beef, garlic, and warm Italian herbs through the kitchen. This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is exactly that kind of homey dinner, ready on weeknights when you want something nourishing, simple, and satisfying. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices, the vegetables add color and a gentle crunch, and the whole pan comes together in about half an hour, perfect for when you need a cozy meal without fuss. If you like one-skillet meals such as my take on easy beef and noodles, this dish will become a regular in your rotation.

Why This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Works

This skillet hits the comfort trifecta, it is savory, well balanced, and forgiving. Ground beef sautés quickly and creates a rich base, the rice soaks up the broth and seasoning so every bite has depth, and the vegetables bring freshness and texture that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. It is also flexible, so you can tailor it to what you have on hand.

Reasons to love this dish include

One pan to clean, and most of the work happens in the same skillet
Ready in about 30 minutes which makes it weeknight-friendly
Balanced flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike
Easy to adapt with whatever vegetables or seasoning you prefer

Ingredients and Key Notes

A quick note on ingredients, the key is having a flavorful broth and rice that cooks through in about 15 to 20 minutes. You can swap in short grain or long grain white rice; if you use brown rice, expect to increase the simmering time and possibly the liquid. The Italian seasoning adds an herby backbone, and olive oil helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup mixed vegetables, like bell peppers, peas, and carrots
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Notes

If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken in equal amounts.
For a gluten free version, double check your beef broth is gluten free.

How to Cook Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke, this helps the onion and garlic soften without burning.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Cook until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen fills with a sweet, garlicky aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break the meat into pieces with a spatula and cook until it is nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, letting the beef develop some golden bits for extra flavor.
Stir in rice, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet into the liquid, then give everything a good stir so the rice is evenly distributed and begins to absorb the scent of the beef and herbs.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is cooked. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently, checking at around 15 minutes; the rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Mix in the mixed vegetables, cooking until they are heated through. Fold in the peas, carrots, and peppers, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes so the vegetables stay bright and slightly crisp, offering contrast to the tender rice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, and spoon generous portions onto plates while the skillet is still steamy.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 500 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

If you like to plan ahead, several parts of this recipe can be prepped earlier to make evening assembly quick. Chop the onion and garlic up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Measure the rice and seasoning into a small container so you can add them without thinking. You can also brown the ground beef ahead of time, drain it, and store it covered in the fridge for up to three days; when ready to finish the dish, simply combine the pre-cooked beef with the rice and broth, and simmer until the rice is tender.

For a longer make-ahead approach, you can fully cook the skillet, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive moisture. If you plan to freeze, cook everything except the vegetables, cool, and freeze in a labeled container for up to three months; when reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in freshly steamed or sautéed vegetables to bring back brightness.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze portions, portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat on the stove, add the leftovers to a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water, cover, and stir occasionally until heated through, this helps prevent drying out and revives the rice texture. In the microwave, heat in short intervals of 60 seconds, stirring in between, until steaming hot. A good freshness cue is bright vegetable color and a pleasant savory aroma, if the dish smells dull or off, discard it.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
A warm crusty loaf or garlic bread to sop up the pan juices
Steamed broccoli or a simple sauté of green beans for extra vegetables
A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy finish
Quick pickled cucumbers for a bright, acidic counterpoint

Make It Your Own

Swap proteins, keep it lean, try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter skillet, add a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
Use brown rice for nuttier flavor, increase the broth by 1 1/4 cups and lengthen simmer time until the rice is tender.
Stir in a cup of shredded cheese near the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy rice finish, cheddar or Monterey Jack work well.
Make it Mexican style by swapping Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, adding corn and black beans, and topping with chopped cilantro and lime.
Turn it into a skillet bake by topping the finished mix with panko or breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheese, then place under a hot broiler for a golden crust.
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, add the cauliflower rice after the beef is browned and cook just long enough to warm through.
Add a spoonful of tomato paste or a can of diced tomatoes for a richer, saucier version that clings to the rice and beef.
For a bolder Asian twist try pairing the skillet flavors with stir-fried veggies and a drizzle of soy sauce, inspired by dishes like Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles which share the quick, savory ground beef technique.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use medium heat when browning the beef, high heat can burn the garlic and low heat will make the meat stewy rather than caramelized.
Let the rice simmer covered, resist stirring often, this encourages even cooking and prevents the rice from becoming gluey.
If the rice looks dry before it is tender, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and continue to cook to avoid scorching.
Taste and adjust salt only after the rice has absorbed most of the broth, concentrated flavors can change as the dish reduces.
For even, quick cooking, keep the beef in a single layer while browning so it gets good color.
Use a heavy bottom skillet for steady heat distribution, a thin pan can cause hot spots and sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice should I use in this Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet?
Short grain or long grain white rice both work well because they cook in the 15 to 20 minute window. If you swap to brown rice, plan for a longer simmer and add about 1/2 cup more liquid, as brown rice absorbs more and needs more time to become tender.

Can I make this skillet with leaner ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in a 1 to 1 swap for the ground beef. You may want to add a touch more oil when cooking to promote browning and add a splash of soy sauce or tomato paste for extra savory depth if you prefer.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp and bright?
Add heartier vegetables like carrots or peppers early enough to soften, and add quick-cooking items like peas or chopped bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps their color and gives a pleasant textural contrast to the soft rice.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the skillet for up to three months. For best texture, cook everything except the mixed vegetables, freeze the base, and add fresh or frozen vegetables when reheating to preserve bright color and some crunch.

How can I make this dish more saucy or drier?
For a saucier result, increase the broth by 1/2 to 3/4 cup and skip covering the skillet for the last few minutes of cooking. For a drier finish, reduce the broth slightly or let the skillet simmer uncovered for a few minutes so the excess liquid evaporates and the rice becomes fluffy.

What are good garnish options for serving?
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can brighten the dish. For a crunchy contrast try toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one of those dependable recipes that comforts and satisfies with minimal effort. Whether you are feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a straightforward dinner that still feels homemade, this skillet delivers savory flavor and practical flexibility. Give it a try tonight, and you may find it becoming a trusted staple in your recipe lineup.

Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, rice, and vegetables, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 cup rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, peas, carrots)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into pieces, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir in rice, beef broth, and Italian seasoning, scraping the skillet for flavors.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
Mix in the mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.