Easy Ground Beef and Rice Dinner

When life gets busy, and you’re looking for a simple, filling meal, it’s hard to beat a classic ground beef and rice dinner. This comforting dish is a perfect go-to when you want something hearty yet easy to whip up in a hurry. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility—you can adapt it based on what you have in your pantry, and it’s always satisfying.

Whether you’re looking to make a budget-friendly meal for your family or need a quick dinner after a long day at work, this ground beef and rice dinner will soon become one of your favorites. Packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is a time-saver that doesn’t skimp on taste. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to prepare it step by step.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! This ground beef and rice dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
2. One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks in one pan, so you save time on washing up afterward.
3. Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and rice are both affordable ingredients, making this meal a great option if you’re feeding a family or sticking to a budget.
4. Kid-Friendly: The simple, savory flavors of this dish make it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in some extra veggies for added nutrition.
5. Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand, whether it’s different spices, vegetables, or even swapping out the type of rice.

Ingredients

To make this Ground Beef and Rice Dinner, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 cup of long-grain white rice (you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this ground beef and rice dinner is quick and simple, even for beginner cooks. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, satisfying meal in no time. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This helps build a deep flavor base for the dish.

Step 3: Add Rice and Seasoning

Once the vegetables are softened, add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the flavors of the beef and vegetables. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine everything.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Next, pour in the drained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish

If you want to make this dish extra comforting, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt. Once everything is cooked through, remove the pan from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve!

Helpful Tips

1. Use Good-Quality Ground Beef: Choosing lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal for this recipe. It gives a good balance between flavor and fat without making the dish too greasy.
2. Don’t Rush the Simmering Process: Allow the rice to simmer gently, as rushing it can result in undercooked rice or a dish that’s too watery. If your rice needs more time, add a bit more broth and keep simmering until it reaches your preferred texture.
3. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
4. Prep in Advance: You can save time by chopping the vegetables ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Easy Ingredient Replacements

This Ground Beef and Rice Dinner is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have all the ingredients listed or want to change it up, here are a few simple swaps:

Ground Beef

Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use ground pork for a richer flavor.

Rice

If you prefer, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly.

Vegetables

Feel free to add or replace vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, mushrooms, peas, or corn are great additions to this dish.

Cheese

Don’t have shredded cheese? Crumbled feta or even a dollop of sour cream can add a delicious creamy element.

Broth

While beef broth gives a deep, savory flavor, you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Rice Dinner is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible—you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or make use of what’s in your pantry.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something comforting after a long day, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and ease of this delicious one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a delicious Ground Beef and Rice Dinner on the table in no time! Try it out tonight and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the hassle.