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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner with ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful skillet meal is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (do not rinse)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred, undrained)
  • 1.5 cups (355ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5 minutes). Do not drain the fat unless there is more than 2 tablespoons.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  4. Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure the rice cooks properly. If the rice is not tender after 15 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. For a gluten-free version, ensure the broth is certified gluten-free. For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1/2 cup, cooking for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet, one-pan, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-in-20-minutes/