Ground Beef and Rice Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Oh, how I adore those evenings when a truly satisfying meal comes together with minimal fuss, leaving more time for cozy conversations around the kitchen table! There’s something so comforting about a hearty skillet dinner, and that’s exactly what my favorite ground beef and rice recipes bring to life. They wrap you in a warm hug of flavor, texture, and pure, simple goodness, making weeknight meals feel like a special occasion without all the effort.

I still remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always had a way of turning simple pantry staples into culinary magic. Her philosophy was that good food didn’t need to be complicated, just made with a sprinkle of love. This philosophy has guided me through years of baking and cooking, especially when I’m creating dishes that bring that delightful sigh of contentment from my own family.

This particular recipe is a shining example of that philosophy. It’s wonderfully easy to make, incredibly family-friendly, and offers a complete meal in one skillet. My best tip for any busy cook? Keep your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients like ground beef and rice, and you’ll always be ready for a delicious dinner adventure!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful skillet meal is all about embracing simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch. We’re talking about hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, and aromatic spices like chili powder and smoked paprika that truly sing together. These components combine to create a flavorful foundation for our amazing ground beef and rice creation. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below!

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

Whipping up this Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice is a breeze, perfect for those busy evenings. You’ll start by browning your ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables, building a rich base of flavor right in your skillet. Then, simply add your rice, broth, and spices, letting everything simmer together until the rice is tender and infused with all those incredible tastes. It’s a delightful, one-pan wonder that exemplifies easy ground beef and rice recipes.

Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice

A flavorful, one-pot ground beef and rice recipe loaded with Tex-Mex inspired ingredients like tomatoes, corn, and vibrant spices, making for an easy and satisfying family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 475

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Skillet

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 1 bell pepper any color, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
• 1 cup frozen corn or 1 can, drained
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked, rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth low sodium
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper adjust to taste

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

• Large Skillet (10-12 inch, with lid)
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, frozen corn, rinsed uncooked rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
6. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Uncover, fluff the rice and beef mixture with a fork.
8. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices, or a few dashes of hot sauce at serving.
Brown rice can be used, but may require slightly more broth (2.5 cups) and a longer cooking time (30-40 minutes).
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Achieving that perfect, comforting skillet dinner is easier than you think, especially when you have a few seasoned tricks up your sleeve. These simple pointers will ensure your ground beef and rice recipes turn out perfectly every time, just like a hug in a bowl!

• Browning the Beef: Don’t rush this step! Properly browning your ground beef until it has a lovely, slightly crispy exterior creates so much depth of flavor. I always make sure to drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables, ensuring a cleaner taste for our ground beef and rice dishes.
• The Right Rice: For this recipe, long-grain white rice works beautifully, absorbing all the delicious liquids and spices without becoming mushy. If you prefer brown rice, adjust your cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly, as it generally takes longer to cook.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing your onions and bell peppers, give them space! Working in batches if necessary ensures they caramelize rather than steam, adding a richer, sweeter note to the dish.

My Secret Trick: I always add the fresh cilantro and shredded cheese right at the very end, just after the skillet comes off the heat. The residual warmth melts the cheese beautifully and allows the fresh cilantro to brighten the dish without overcooking. It’s a simple touch that truly elevates these ground beef and rice recipes!

Fun Variations for Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

One of the most joyful parts of cooking is the freedom to play and adapt, transforming a beloved recipe into something new and exciting! These ground beef and rice recipes are incredibly versatile, inviting your own personal touch.

• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder. My friend, Mark, always asks me to add a dash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra fiery fiesta!
• Bean Bonanza: For an extra hearty and fiber-rich meal, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. They meld wonderfully with the other flavors.
• Veggies Galore: Feel free to sneak in other veggies! Diced zucchini or sweet potatoes can be added with the onions and bell peppers. Frozen peas are another lovely addition during the last few minutes of simmering, making this ground beef and rice dish even more nutritious.
• Smoky Twist: For an even deeper, more complex smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo sauce, minced, when you add your diced tomatoes. This is a personal favorite when I want to elevate the ground beef and rice experience.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

A comforting skillet meal like our Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice is often a complete delight on its own, but sometimes a little something extra can make the meal truly sing! Here are a few simple ideas to complement your delicious ground beef and rice creation.

I love serving this flavorful dish with a crisp, cool side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette – it’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors. My mom always keeps a bag of tortilla chips on hand to scoop up any delicious remnants, and it’s a quick-serving idea everyone enjoys. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of fresh guacamole also adds a wonderful creamy texture and cools any spice, making these ground beef and rice recipes even more irresistible.

How to Store Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

Making a big batch of a comforting meal like this Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice means delicious leftovers, and with a few simple tips, you can enjoy it for days! Storing your ground beef and rice properly ensures every spoonful tastes just as wonderful as the first.

For leftovers, allow the skillet meal to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When I’m planning ahead, I sometimes portion out individual servings into microwave-safe containers for quick and easy lunches. My personal tip? If the rice seems a little dry upon reheating, add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave; it brings the ground beef and rice back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice isn’t just delicious; it’s a wonderfully balanced meal too! With lean ground beef, you’re getting a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle health. The vibrant bell peppers and corn contribute fiber and a host of vitamins, while the rice provides comforting carbohydrates for energy, making this ground beef and rice dish a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes, while long-grain white rice is ideal for this ground beef and rice recipe, you can experiment. Brown rice will take longer to cook and may require additional liquid. Avoid instant rice, as it won’t achieve the same texture or absorb flavors as well.

Faq 2

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this ground beef and rice dish, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground crumbles or a mixture of black beans and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it entirely meat-free and delicious.

Faq 3

Can I freeze leftover Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice?
Absolutely! This ground beef and rice recipe freezes well. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Faq 4

What kind of cheese is best for topping?
I love using a Mexican blend or sharp cheddar cheese for this ground beef and rice meal, as their flavors complement the spices beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite melty cheese like Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend for a delicious finish.

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite like gathering around the table for a homemade meal, especially one that brings so much joy and flavor with so little effort. This Hearty Skillet Fiesta Ground Beef & Rice recipe embodies everything I adore about cooking: it’s approachable, rewarding, and brimming with the kind of comforting deliciousness that creates lasting memories. I sincerely hope you’ll invite these wonderful ground beef and rice recipes into your kitchen and discover the simple magic of creating a truly special dinner, made with love, right at home. Happy cooking, sweet friends!