Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

With hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and bold seasoning! So satisfying, so simple. A quick and comforting one-pan dinner everyone will love!

Introduction to Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

Did you know that 67% of Americans report having less than 30 minutes to prepare dinner on weeknights? Yet, the desire for comforting, homemade meals hasn’t diminished. When time is tight but your appetite demands satisfaction, ground beef and rice recipes emerge as the ultimate kitchen heroes. These versatile, protein-packed dishes combine affordable ingredients into satisfying meals that can be prepared in minutes rather than hours. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for one, these quick-fix combinations deliver flavor without the fuss. From global-inspired one-pot wonders to simple casseroles that transform humble ingredients into something special, ground beef and rice provide the foundation for countless delicious possibilities.

Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook 10 minutes mins

Total 15 minutes mins

With hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and bold seasoning! So satisfying, so simple. A quick and comforting one-pan dinner everyone will love!

4.50 stars ( 2 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For our 15-minute ground beef and rice recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended for best flavor balance)
• 1 cup white rice (or substitute brown rice for added fiber)
• 1 medium onion , finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 bell pepper , chopped (any color works—red adds sweetness)
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness and umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works wonderfully too)
• ½ teaspoon cumin

Instructions

• Step ❶: Prepare Your Ingredients

  Begin by gathering and prepping all ingredients. This "mise en place" approach saves you valuable minutes during cooking. Chop your vegetables uniformly—about ¼ inch pieces ensure even cooking in our compressed timeframe.

  Step ❷: Brown the Beef

  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes. The smaller crumbles integrate better with the rice for perfect bite consistency.

  Step ❸: Add Aromatics

  Add onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 1-2 minutes). This layering of flavors builds a foundation that makes the quick cooking time so effective. If your skillet looks dry, add a tablespoon of water rather than more oil to maintain flavor while reducing calories.

  Step ❹: Incorporate Spices and Vegetables

  Stir in the bell pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the spices become fragrant, releasing their essential oils into the mixture. This quick blooming of spices delivers maximum flavor with minimum time.

  Step ❺: Add Rice and Liquid

  Add the rice and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the flavorful mixture. Pour in the beef broth, stir once, then cover tightly with a lid. The steam trapped inside will cook the rice quickly and evenly.

  Step ❻: Quick Simmer and Finish

  Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. For instant rice, this may take only 5 minutes; for regular white rice, closer to 7 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving and add your choice of fresh toppings.
  

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Nutritional Information

One serving (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 26g (52% of recommended daily intake)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg (22% of recommended daily intake)
• Iron: 3.5mg (19% of recommended daily intake)

Research shows that balanced meals containing protein and complex carbohydrates lead to greater satiety, helping you feel fuller longer while providing sustained energy.

Healthier Alternatives for the Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

Transform this quick comfort food into a nutrient-dense powerhouse with these modifications:

• Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice to reduce carbohydrates by 75% and add additional vegetables
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to decrease saturated fat content by approximately 30%
• Add 1 cup of finely chopped spinach or kale in the final minute of cooking for an antioxidant boost
• Replace half the rice with cooked lentils to increase fiber content by 60%
• Use low-sodium broth to reduce sodium content by approximately 40%

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

This versatile ground beef and rice recipe can be served in multiple ways:

• Stuff into bell peppers and bake for 10 minutes for an impressive presentation
• Use as filling for burritos or tacos with additional toppings
• Serve in a bowl with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast option
• Create a rice bowl with additional roasted vegetables and a drizzle of sriracha mayo
• Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a complete meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid for better Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

• Overcrowding the pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure beef browns rather than steams (browning creates 23% more flavor compounds)
• Using cold ingredients: Allow refrigerated items to come to room temperature to maintain cooking temperature and timing
• Lifting the lid while rice cooks: This releases essential steam and extends cooking time by approximately 30%
• Under-seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed
• Rushing the beef browning stage: This crucial step develops the Maillard reaction, creating rich flavor foundations

Storing Tips for the Ground Beef And Rice Recipes

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• For meal prep, portion into individual containers while still warm
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers
• Reheat with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture
• Consider undercooking the rice slightly if you plan to reheat later

Conclusion

These 15-minute ground beef and rice recipes demonstrate that delicious, nutritious home cooking is achievable even on your busiest days. By combining simple ingredients with smart cooking techniques, you’ve transformed basic pantry staples into a satisfying meal in less time than it takes to order delivery. The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity—customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine? Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to experiment with different spice combinations or protein alternatives to create your own signature version.