Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Name: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry long grain white rice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cup lower-sodium beef broth; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey jack cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped green onion or cilantro

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings. Ingredient quantities are based on the original recipe; cooking times and steps remain the same if scaled.

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups lower-sodium beef broth
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon chopped green onion or cilantro

Directions

Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
In an extra-large, tall-sided skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the rice, salt, and cumin to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice and blend the spices.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Mix in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, diced green chiles, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Garnish with chopped green onion or cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 358
Total Fat: 20g (25% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)
Cholesterol: 85mg (28% DV)
Sodium: 553mg (24% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 17g (6% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% DV)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 28g (56% DV)
Vitamin C: 90mg (100% DV)
Calcium: 218mg (17% DV)
Iron: 4mg (21% DV)
Potassium: 658mg (14% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredients used.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

The Origins of Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

The Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a modern American comfort dish that draws inspiration from traditional one-pot meals with Latin American roots. While simple in its ingredientsground beef, rice, tomatoes, and peppersit embodies the essence of mid-20th-century home cooking in the United States, where families sought affordable, hearty, and flavorful meals that could be prepared in a single skillet. The combination of beef and rice has long been popular worldwide, but the inclusion of spices such as cumin and green chilies reflects the influence of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, creating a dish that balances familiarity with a touch of international flair.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Regional adaptations of this dish are common. In the American Southwest, cooks often add chili peppers, smoked paprika, or even diced jalapeos for extra heat, while in the Midwest, the skillet version tends to emphasize creamy textures, sometimes incorporating cheese directly into the mixture. Southern variations may include Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste for a richer depth of flavor, whereas coastal regions might mix in seafood or local vegetables to create unique versions. The recipes flexibility allows it to reflect the agricultural and culinary influences of different regions, making it a versatile and approachable comfort food.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Unlike classic stuffed peppers or traditional Spanish rice, the Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is entirely prepared in a single pan, making it quicker and easier for everyday cooking. While Spanish rice often focuses on saffron or tomato-based seasoning, and casseroles typically bake slowly in the oven with multiple layers, this skillet recipe combines the flavors directly in the pan. The result is a slightly saucy, homogenous dish that melds the rice and beef with the seasoning, offering a convenient one-pot alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Where and How Its Served

This dish is primarily served at home as a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It is often accompanied by simple side salads, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. Some families enjoy it as a filling lunch, reheating leftovers for convenience, while others serve it at potlucks or casual gatherings due to its ease of preparation and universal appeal. Its adaptability also makes it suitable for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or even serving in smaller portions for a cozy solo dinner.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

The recipe can be easily adapted to different dietary preferences by substituting ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives without altering the cooking time significantly.
The inclusion of Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth, a subtle feature that many casual cooks overlook but significantly enhances the overall flavor.
Although considered an American comfort dish today, its combination of rice and beef reflects centuries-old culinary practices found in European and Latin American cuisines.
The dishs simplicity encourages experimentation: adding cheese, fresh herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce can transform the flavor profile without changing the core technique.
Its one-pan preparation is part of a broader culinary trend emphasizing minimal cleanup and efficient cooking, a practice that gained popularity in the mid-20th century with the rise of home skillet meals.

FAQ about Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.

Yes, you can use instant rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Instant rice cooks faster, so check the package instructions for the appropriate cooking time.

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar umami flavor.

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or peas to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Yes, if you want a spicier dish, you can add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use spicy salsa instead of the diced tomatoes.

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as Colby, mozzarella, or pepper jack, depending on your preference.

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of salad, tortillas, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Comments

Heather

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I followed the instructions except I used my instant pot. I cooked and sautéed the veggies in the instant pot and then when I put the rice in, I pressure cooked it all for 4 minutes with a 10 minute release. Turned out great!

TameTart9516

02/06/2025 11:21:55 PM

I used lean ground beef to lower the fat. Just a note to occasionally stir during the last time of simmering to prevent sticking to the pan. It reminded us of Spanish rice with ground beef. Very flavorful.

Sandra

09/19/2025 11:42:38 PM

I used instant rice and put it in with 5 minutes after boiling. Needed another 3 minutes. Also did not have enough onion, so added dried onions. Accidentally spilled too much Worcestershire sauce, but it is still delicious.

Lesa Lee

05/29/2025 10:07:16 PM

It wasn't bad, it just wasn't very flavorful. Probably won't make again. I will say it was filling and made enough for us (just 2 of us) to have for a second an probably third meal. I would suggest subbing the plain diced tomatoes with 2 cans of Rotel and decide according to your own taste if you want to add the extra green chiles.

Paula

03/08/2025 02:53:06 AM

As another reviewer said, this is delicious comfort food. It is really good as is, but next time, I will add more cumin and perhaps a dash of cayenne to bring out more of the spicy flavor.

Kaitlynn Paige

05/18/2025 11:30:18 PM

had it with tortillas like a taco/burrito. followed recipe exactly, ended up adding a little more cumin because feedback was that it was a little bland. i enjoyed it, ratings from others were 6/10 (too bland) and 8/10 (would like it more with hotsauce)

Lela

03/09/2025 05:07:03 AM

We liked this recipe. This recipe reminds me of stuffed green peppers. I added a teaspoon of cumin and 2 chopped roasted green chilies. I tasted the recipe and felt it needed some more spices. So, I added a teaspoon of garlic powder and a teaspoon of onion powder. I would definitely make this recipe again.

Nina83

07/08/2025 01:50:34 AM

I'm glad I read the reviews and used 1 teaspoon each of cumin and salt and added 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. I think it would have been bland otherwise. Also, I found that there was too much rice compared to the ground beef. Next time I make this I will only use 1/2 cup of rice.

LTJ

07/14/2025 10:50:46 AM

I used brown basmati rice, added more cumin & Mrs Dash SW Chipotle. Topped with light sour cream and avocado as no cheese in the house. Enough to feed us 2 meals. Thanks so much for sharing!

1010lisalynn

03/05/2025 09:20:47 PM

Sooo comforting! The familiar flavors of beef, tomatoes, rice and cheese make this dish comforting and bring back childhood memories. The combination of ingredients gives this simplistic meal an upscale vibe especially with the cumin and green chilies! I used a combination of cheddar and Jack cheese and garnished it with both the green onion and cilantro. My husband loved this and even enjoyed it more as leftovers the next night!!

lutzflcat

02/28/2025 12:23:33 PM

This turned out pretty well. I added some red pepper chili flakes, and liked that this is a one-pot meal with easy cleanup. Husband picked up the cheese and accidentally bought Pepper Jack instead of Monterey Jack, but it worked fine. The rice cooked up perfectly at 15 minutes, and I served with some French bread and a salad for an easy dinner.

Barbara Rosa

08/30/2025 09:33:12 PM

It was a hearty recipe that satisfied even the pickiest in the house.

plates4u

08/28/2025 02:42:30 PM

I made this recipe as is and I just would say that I it needs salt rectification. As of everything else, it was fast to put together. I will make it again with the rectification and that is it!

Ashley Parker

04/04/2025 12:25:21 AM

I’ll definitely make it again soon.

lutzflcat

02/28/2025 12:23:33 PM

MintPeel2093

02/12/2025 03:19:26 AM

I loved it! I didn't have separate tomatoes/chili's, so I used a can of Rotel, it was great! I also used sausage instead of beef. It was soooo good! I'm so glad I tried this! Thanks!

Cheryl Simon

02/10/2025 12:39:43 PM

Tasty...I added more cumin, also black pepper, a serrano, knob onions, and cilantro while it cooked and more when done.

QuickUbe8302

01/28/2025 01:34:33 AM

Used 1 whole tsp of cumin and salt instead of 1/2 tsps. Excellent mild spice flavour leaving the heat lovers to add whatever they want.

Sally

01/27/2025 09:33:24 PM

Looked for an easy recipe that used ingredients on hand and was glad to find this one. I did make a couple of changes. I used 2 pounds of ground venison so upped the spices. Also added a couple tablespoons of avocado hot sauce. Used Mexican blend cheese too. It is delicious!

Broccoli and Cheese Rice Casserole With Garlic Pretzel Topping Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

The Origins of Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Where and How Its Served

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

FAQ about Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe