Description
This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with onions, then combined with rice and simmered in flavorful beef broth, all in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Optional toppings like fresh parsley, cheese, and green onions add extra flavor and color.
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 and texture.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind to retain flavor for the dish.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Toast the Rice: Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine everything well in the skillet.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the broth starts bubbling around the edges.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. This lets the rice cook fully and absorb all the liquid, resulting in tender grains.
- Fluff and Adjust Seasoning: Once the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the dish hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content but preserves flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce is optional but enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
