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Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner made with ground beef, rice, and a few pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting skillet meal comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef. Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Do not drain all the fat—leave about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  2. Add the onion. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the rice. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it around for about a minute. This toasts the grains slightly and gives them a nutty flavor.
  4. Add the liquids. Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until the soup is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits.
  5. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat to high and let the liquid come to a full boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Simmer and cover. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Check for doneness. After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a little firm, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  8. Add peas (optional). If you are using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in now. Let them heat through for about 2 minutes, uncovered, until they are bright and warm.
  9. Season and serve. Taste the skillet dinner and add salt and pepper as needed. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer; low and slow ensures even cooking. Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice cooks. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes after turning off the heat for best texture. For a cheesy version, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet dinner, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal, 5-ingredient

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