Save to Pinterest A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This ground beef skillet has become my go-to on busy weeknights when I want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: ½ tsp (optional)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp (optional)
- Shredded cheese: ½ cup (50 g, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook the veggies:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add aromatics:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine remaining ingredients:
- Add rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Add liquids:
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork, top with parsley or cilantro and cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table for this simple dinner. Even picky eaters dig in because the flavors are mild and familiar.
Recipe Variations
You can swap in other veggies like zucchini or carrots, or try brown rice for extra nutrition adjusting liquid and cook time as needed.
Meal Prep & Storage
This skillet is great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Top each portion with shredded cheese or fresh herbs, or serve with a crisp side salad to round out the meal.
Save to Pinterest This ground beef skillet is a wholesome dinner the whole family can get behind. It is as convenient as it is satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a leaner alternative without compromising flavor or texture.
- → What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Zucchini, carrots, green beans, or additional frozen veggies can be swapped in for variety and extra nutrition.
- → Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used but requires more liquid and longer cooking time for proper texture.
- → How do I avoid the dish becoming too dry?
Ensure the broth covers the rice and vegetables adequately and keep the heat low during simmering to retain moisture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for several days, making it great for meal prep.