Ground Beef And Rice Comfort Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Comfort Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced bell pepper; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

I love making this Ground Beef and Rice Comfort Skillet on busy weeknights when we crave something hearty and satisfying. This one-pan dish combines flavorful ground beef, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together for a delicious, comforting meal. In just 30 minutes, I can serve up a family-friendly dinner that warms our hearts. Plus, it's easy to customize with the veggies and spices we have on hand, making it a versatile dish that never gets old.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:17:37.218Z

Every time I make this Ground Beef and Rice Comfort Skillet, it brings me back to my childhood dinners with family gathered around the table. The combination of juicy ground beef and perfectly cooked rice creates a balanced meal that everyone loves. I’ve experimented with different spices to elevate the dish, and I find that a touch of paprika and garlic powder gives it just the right amount of warmth and flavor.

One essential tip I've learned is to let the rice absorb all the flavors as it cooks. This creates a creamy texture that binds the ingredients perfectly together. It’s the little touches, like garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese, that can transform this simple skillet meal into something special, making it a favorite in our household.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling for the whole family
One-pan meal for easy cleanup
Versatile: customize with your favorite vegetables and spices

Mastering the Skillet Technique

One of the key techniques for this Ground Beef and Rice Comfort Skillet is browning the beef properly. To achieve that rich flavor, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it's well-browned and crumbly, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks, avoiding large clumps that won’t cook evenly. If you notice a lot of grease in the pan, draining it can prevent your dish from being overly greasy.

After browning the beef, the next step is to incorporate the vegetables. Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3 minutes allows them to soften and develop their flavors, creating a solid base for your skillet. You'll know they’re ready when the onions are translucent and fragrant, adding depth to the entire dish. This step is crucial; undercooked veggies can result in a raw taste that overshadows the hearty beef.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasoning

Incorporating the paprika is a game-changer for this recipe. It not only adds color but also a subtle smokiness that complements the beef beautifully. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; a little more paprika can enhance the dish without overwhelming it. Remember to taste as you go, adding salt and pepper to elevate all the flavors; it can make a significant difference in the final outcome.

This skillet is also a fantastic canvas for showcasing your favorite vegetables. If you have zucchini, corn, or green beans in your fridge, feel free to toss them in with the rice and broth. However, remember that some vegetables take longer to cook than others; chop them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. A mix of fresh and frozen veggies provides both convenience and taste, allowing for delicious variations each time you make it.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Comfort Skillet

1 pound ground beef
1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready for the best cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Incorporate Rice and Broth

Add the rice, beef broth, and frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Season and Cook

Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Serve

Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this comforting one-pan dish!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables or use ground turkey for a lighter option. This dish is even better the next day, so consider making a double batch!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a great candidate for make-ahead meals. You can cook it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating it is straightforward; just add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan and warm it over low heat. This prevents the rice from drying out and ensures a flavorful, hearty meal even when reheated.

If you want to bulk prepare it for the week, consider doubling the recipe and freezing half. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving, I recommend garnishing the skillet with fresh parsley; not only does it add a pop of color, but it also contributes a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. You might also consider offering grated cheese on the side, as a sprinkle of cheddar can add creaminess that enhances every bite.

There are countless variations you can explore with this recipe. For a southwestern twist, add black beans and corn, and season with cumin and chili powder. If you want to make it lighter, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option. Each variation brings its unique flavor profile, making this dish a staple in your recipe rotation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly.

→ What can I use as a substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, and it can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What sides can I serve with this dish?

This skillet is quite filling on its own, but you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.