You know what? Finding the time to cook a wholesome meal after a long day feels impossible sometimes. We have all been there. You stare into the fridge, see a package of hamburger meat, and wonder what to do. You need Easy Ground Beef Recipes that do not require a culinary degree or hours of standing over the stove. Honestly, ground beef is the ultimate hero of weeknight dinners. It cooks fast, it is affordable, and everyone in the family usually loves it.
If you are searching for Things To Make With Ground Beef that go beyond basic tacos or sloppy joes, you are in the right place. This cheesy beef and rice skillet is about to become your new favorite go to meal. It combines savory meat, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese into one glorious pan. The best part is the cleanup. Since everything cooks in a single skillet, you will not have a mountain of dishes waiting for you after you eat.
Let me explain why this specific dish works so well. It balances protein and carbs perfectly, keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, it is incredibly versatile. You can toss in extra veggies or switch up the cheese depending on what you have on hand. When it comes to Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef, this recipe checks every single box. It is comforting, quick, and undeniably delicious. Let us dive into how to make this simple masterpiece.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. First and foremost, it defines the category of Easy Ground Beef Recipes. You do not need any fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge right now. It is the definition of a fuss free meal.
Another reason is the speed. From start to finish, you are looking at about thirty minutes. That is faster than ordering delivery and waiting for the driver to arrive. When you need Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef that fit into a busy schedule, speed is everything. You get a hot, homemade meal on the table without sacrificing your entire evening.
Finally, the flavor is just incredible. The rice cooks directly in the beef broth and tomato sauce, soaking up every bit of savory goodness. It tastes like you simmered it for hours, but it really takes no time at all. It is comfort food at its finest, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to something warm and cheesy.
Ingredients
The beauty of Easy Ground Beef Recipes lies in their simplicity. You do not need a long list of groceries. Here is what you will need to make this delicious skillet meal.
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Let us talk about the beef for a second. I recommend using 85% lean ground beef. It has enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful but not so much that your final dish ends up greasy. If you use a higher fat content, you might want to drain a bit more of the grease before adding the rest of the ingredients. For the rice, long grain white rice works best here because it stays fluffy and distinct. Short grain rice might get a bit too sticky or mushy in this type of skillet dish.
The combination of onion, bell pepper, and garlic creates a classic flavor base. You can swap the green pepper for red or yellow if you prefer a sweeter taste. The tomato sauce adds a nice tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef. Speaking of cheese, sharp cheddar is my personal favorite, but a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack would also taste amazing.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have one of the best Easy Ground Beef Recipes ready in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to get a nice brown crust on the meat because that adds a ton of flavor. Cook it until it is no longer pink, which usually takes about five to seven minutes. If there is a lot of excess grease in the pan, carefully drain most of it out, leaving just about a tablespoon to cook the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about three or four minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and soft. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for just one minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly. The kitchen should smell amazing right about now.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Now, pour in the uncooked white rice. Stir it well so that the rice grains get coated in the beef fat and vegetable mixture. Toasting the rice for a minute or two helps it keep its texture. Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat and rice mixture.
Step 4: Simmer the Skillet
Pour in the beef broth and the tomato sauce. Stir everything to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are pure flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for about fifteen to twenty minutes. You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed. Check it around the fifteen minute mark to make sure the rice is not sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Put the lid back on for about two or three minutes. The residual heat from the skillet will melt the cheese perfectly. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of color. Serve it hot straight from the pan.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about Easy Ground Beef Recipes like this one is that they make fantastic leftovers. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better the next day. To store your leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Do not leave it out for more than two hours, though.
Transfer the food into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three or four days. This makes it a great option for meal prep lunches. You can just grab a container on your way out the door in the morning.
If you want to freeze this meal, you can do that too. Place the cooled mixture into a freezer safe container or bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the rice, as it tends to dry out a little in the cold.
Tips
Here are a few tricks to make sure your skillet meal turns out perfect every single time. First, try grating your own cheese from a block. Pre shredded cheese from the store is coated in starches to prevent clumping. These starches can stop the cheese from melting smoothly. Grating it yourself takes a minute, but the creamy texture is worth it.
Another tip is to customize the vegetables. This recipe is very forgiving. If you have some zucchini, corn, or mushrooms that need to be used up, throw them in. It is a great way to sneak extra veggies into your diet without anyone noticing. Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes are often the best vehicles for clearing out the produce drawer.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños along with the bell pepper. It adds a nice kick that wakes up the palate. Also, make sure your lid fits tightly during the simmering stage. If too much steam escapes, the rice might end up crunchy. If that happens, just add a splash more broth and cook for a few more minutes.
Lastly, do not skip the browning step for the meat. That Maillard reaction gives the dish a depth of flavor that boiling or steaming just cannot match. It provides that rich, savory base that makes Easy Ground Beef Recipes so satisfying.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, hearty, and cheesy meal that proves Easy Ground Beef Recipes are the king of weeknight dinners. This dish saves you time, saves you money, and saves you from doing a sink full of dishes. It is exactly the kind of recipe we all need in our back pocket for those hectic days when cooking feels like a chore.
Next time you are looking for Things To Make With Ground Beef, remember this skillet. It delivers on flavor and comfort without the fuss. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a family favorite instantly. Cooking at home does not have to be complicated to be amazing.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you absolutely can. This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you check your labels. Rice, beef, and vegetables are safe. However, you must ensure your beef broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten free. Some brands add wheat as a thickener or flavoring agent. Also, double check your spice blends to be sure.
Can I Use Instant Rice Instead?
You can use instant rice, but you need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Instant rice cooks much faster than regular long grain rice. If you use instant rice, reduce the beef broth to about one and a half cups and only simmer for about five minutes. Add the rice at the very end after the sauce has simmered for a bit, otherwise, it might turn into mush.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey?
Definitely. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean substitutes for Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes. Since poultry is leaner than beef, you might need to add a little extra olive oil when sautéing the vegetables to keep them from sticking. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but the seasonings and cheese ensure it is still delicious.
What Can I Serve With This?
This skillet is really a complete meal in itself since it has protein, carbs, and veggies. However, if you want to stretch it further, a simple green salad with vinaigrette is a perfect side. Steamed broccoli or garlic bread would also pair wonderfully with the cheesy rice and beef.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
This quick and easy one-pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, no-fuss meal the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there is a lot of excess grease, carefully drain most of it.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the uncooked white rice. Stir well to coat the grains. Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to distribute the spices evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Put the lid back on for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For the creamiest results, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
Feel free to add other veggies like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions and peppers to clear out your produce drawer.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños with the bell pepper.
Ensure your lid fits tightly when simmering the rice. If too much steam escapes, the rice can end up crunchy. If this happens, add a splash more broth and cook for a few more minutes.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
