Description
This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef, onions, and fluffy rice cooked together in a single pan, this dish is flavorful, comforting, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2.5 cups chopped onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
- 2½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain off most of the excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon to preserve flavor and prevent the dish from becoming dry.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce if using, and season with salt and pepper. Cooking the rice briefly with the beef and onions helps to lightly toast it and deepen the flavor.
- Toast the Rice: Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to let the rice absorb the flavors without burning.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start the cooking process for the rice.
- Reduce Heat and Cover: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Fluff: Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the beef and rice hot, topped with your choice of chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using brown rice will increase the cooking time slightly—around 40-45 minutes.
- For a lower sodium dish, use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste at the end.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to increase nutrition.
- Worcestershire sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
