Why You’ll Love Speedy Rice and Ground Beef Recipe

It’s fast — dinner on the table in under 40 minutes
Uses just one pan — minimal cleanup
Budget‑friendly ingredients that are pantry staples
Flexible — you can adapt seasonings or mix in vegetables to suit your taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lean ground beef
Yellow onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Long‑grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
Beef broth (low sodium)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Add the ground beef, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly, then drain off most of the fat, leaving a little for flavor.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are softened and translucent, taking care not to burn them.
Stir in the rinsed rice so that it becomes coated with the beef‑onion mixture.
Pour in the beef broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
Remove from heat but keep the lid on. Let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes so the rice finishes steaming.
Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Yield: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Mexican-style: Add cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack at the end
Veggie-packed: Add frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or bell peppers
Creamy version: Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese before serving
Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice and reduce broth accordingly
Asian-style: Swap broth for soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste
Herbed: Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano
Mushroom lover’s: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions
Tomato-rich: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or diced tomatoes

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
Reheat (microwave): Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot
Reheat (stovetop): Warm over low heat with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to add more broth and extend the cooking time by 15–20 minutes.

What’s the best ground beef to use?

Lean ground beef (85–90%) gives good flavor without excessive grease, making it ideal for one-skillet meals.

Do I have to rinse the rice?

Yes, rinsing helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming gummy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare it ahead and reheat throughout the week. It’s great for meal prep.

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

It should be tender but not mushy, and all the liquid should be absorbed. Letting it sit covered for 5 minutes helps finish the steam process.

What vegetables go well with this?

Peas, carrots, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or spinach all work beautifully.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Portion it out, let it cool, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, shredded cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can be added before serving or melted on top.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely. Ground turkey is a great lean substitute and works well with the same seasonings.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber tomato salad.

Conclusion

This rice and ground beef skillet is a practical, comforting dinner that checks all the boxes: quick, affordable, and delicious. It’s a flexible base that you can dress up or down, freeze for later, and rely on for even your busiest nights. Whether you stick to the original or explore some variations, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner lineup.