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Easy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

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This easy 20-minute ground beef and rice skillet is the dinner you make when you need something reliable, delicious, and fast. No complicated steps, no exotic ingredients—just good food that works.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds until hot but not smoking.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft (about 2 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small crumbles. Let it cook without stirring for about 2 minutes to get a brown crust, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains (about 3-4 minutes total). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for about 1 minute.
  5. Add the rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat. Add the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring to a boil: Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil (about 2 minutes).
  7. Simmer and cover: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 12 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  8. Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for another 2 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

If rice is still firm after 12 minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, re-cover, and let sit for another 2-3 minutes on low heat. For best results, do not lift the lid during simmering. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-20-minute-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/