When you're craving something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make, this one-pan ground beef and rice is the perfect meal. It’s a simple, fuss-free dish that packs in flavor without leaving a pile of dishes in the sink. With well-seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of spice, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—ideal for busy nights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying but low-effort.
One Pan Ground Beef and Rice for Two
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- ½ lb ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
- ½ cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper any color
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Season and mix
Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Add rice and broth
Stir in the uncooked rice, followed by the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and serve
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the dish, cover for another 2 minutes to melt, then fluff everything with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pairings
- Side: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Drink: A cold lager or a glass of iced tea pairs nicely.
- Dessert: A small bowl of fresh fruit or a warm brownie for a cozy finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (about 35-40 minutes). You may need to add extra broth if the pan dries out too quickly.
2. What’s the best ground beef for this recipe?
85/15 gives a good balance of flavor and moisture. If using leaner beef (90/10 or higher), add a bit more olive oil to keep it from drying out.
3. Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
