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Easy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: 5-Ingredient Dinner

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A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings. This recipe is designed for busy households, requiring minimal prep and cleanup while delivering maximum comfort and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 1 cup white or brown rice (long-grain white recommended)
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked is nice)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the rice, broth, and spices.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired, but leave some for flavor.
  3. Push the beef to one side or create a well in the center. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 10-12 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 2 minutes. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef for better flavor. Ensure the heat is low during simmering to prevent gummy rice. If using brown rice, simmer for a few extra minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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