Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe – Easy One Pan Meal For Two

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is one of my favorite meals to make on a busy weeknight. It is a combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings that creates a delicious and hearty meal, made entirely in one skillet.

This recipe is ideal when you need something quick and filling without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Not to mention, clean up is easy because the entire meal is cooked in a single skillet.

However, one of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it with what you have on hand. For example, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken, and switch up the veggies to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

In addition, if you like a little more spice to your meals, you can add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.

Another advantage of this dish is that it’s a true one-skillet meal. One-skillet meals are great because they require less cleanup and make cooking so much easier. This makes it an excellent option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time washing dishes after dinner (a huge bonus in my world)!

Instead of using multiple pots and pans, everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, all while saving you time in the kitchen. Plus, since all the ingredients cook together, the dish develops a deep, rich flavor without requiring complicated cooking techniques.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
• 7 ounces diced tomatoes (1/2 can)
• 3/4 cup low-sodium beef stock
• 1/2 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese blend

For Serving (Optional)

• 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks.

2. Once the ground beef is halfway cooked, add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. If you didn’t use lean ground beef, drain excess fat and return the meat mixture to the skillet.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef stock, uncooked rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

4. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

6. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and rice mixture, then cover. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor. However, you may need to add a little oil to the skillet so that the meat doesn’t stick to the pan.
• Rice Options: Brown rice can be used, but it will require an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time and about a cup more liquid.
• Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for a different cheesy topping.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat to the dish.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet – Crock Pot Instructions

This dish can also be made in a slow cooker if you prefer a hands-off approach to making dinner. Here is how to do it:

1. Brown the ground beef (or your ground meat of choice) in a skillet, then drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer the beef to a crock pot and add all ingredients except the cheese and parsley.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. *Remember to add more liquid if you are using brown rice instead of white rice.
4. Stir the mixture, sprinkle the cheese on top, and cover until the cheese melts.
5. Serve with fresh parsley, if desired.

What to Make with the Other Half of the Ground Beef

Since this recipe only calls for 1/2 pound of ground beef, you might be wondering what to do with the other 1/2 pound of meat. Here are some of my other delicious recipes that you can make:

• Small Batch Sloppy Joes – A quick and easy meal made with a rich, tangy sauce, perfect for serving on buns.
• Classic Beef Tacos – A simple taco recipe with seasoned ground beef, great for taco night.
• Mini Meatloaf – A small-batch meatloaf that’s full of flavor and perfect for two people.
• Stuffed Peppers for Two – Bell peppers filled with a seasoned ground beef mixture, baked until tender.

These options make it easy to use up the rest of the ground beef without waste while giving you a variety of delicious meals to try.

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is a simple and adaptable meal that comes together easily with minimal cleanup. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in a crock pot, it’s a great option for a homemade meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.

With a few ingredient swaps, you can customize it to fit your taste while keeping it just as delicious and satisfying. Once you give it a try, I am sure it will become a favorite meal in your house, just like it has in mine!

Enjoy! Mary

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