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Cozy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This cozy 20-minute ground beef and rice skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in one pan. The rice absorbs all the savory goodness from the beef as it cooks, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred, but lean works too)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (basmati or jasmine work well)
  • 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (only if using lean beef)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef directly to the dry pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks for about 3-4 minutes, until it loses its pink color. Do not drain the fat unless there is more than a tablespoon or two.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, until the onion starts to soften and becomes translucent.
  3. Pour in the uncooked rice and stir for about 1 minute to toast it slightly, until it smells nutty.
  4. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. 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. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If there is still liquid pooling, let it cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes. If the rice is still firm, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 2 more minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the rice for 1 minute to prevent mushiness. If using lean ground beef (93/7), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at the start. For more caramelized flavor, cook the beef an extra 2-3 minutes before adding onion and garlic. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-20-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-weeknight-dinner/