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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped When I create my Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, I always start with these main ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor. - Ground beef gives the dish its hearty base. I prefer lean ground beef for a lighter meal. - Long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the tasty juices. - Onion and garlic add depth and aroma. They make the kitchen smell divine as they cook. - Bell pepper brings a sweet crunch. Choose red for sweetness or green for earthiness. - Diced tomatoes provide moisture and acidity, balancing the rich beef. - Beef broth enhances the savory notes. You can swap it for chicken broth if you like. - Spices like cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and smokiness. - Corn adds a pop of color and sweetness, making the dish exciting. - Finally, a touch of olive oil helps everything sauté beautifully. To finish, I often garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. It adds a bright touch and makes the dish visually appealing. For the full recipe, check out the section above. - Brown the Beef: Start by heating olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. You need to brown it for about 5-7 minutes until there’s no pink left. If you see excess fat, drain it off. This keeps your dish lean and tasty. - Sauté Vegetables: Next, toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir them around for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and the onion to turn clear. This makes the base for your dish full of flavor. - Add Rice and Spices: Now, add your long-grain rice to the skillet. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well so the rice gets coated in the spices. This will add a depth of flavor to your meal. - Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, along with the corn and beef broth. Stir to mix everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to let it simmer. - Cook the Rice: Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Check on it occasionally to make sure the rice isn’t sticking. You want it soft and to soak up most of the liquid. - Final Touch: When the rice is done, take the skillet off the heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Then, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This step helps all the flavors mingle together nicely. - Presentation Tips: When serving, use colorful bowls that pop. This makes the dish look more appealing. You can also add lime wedges on the side. They give a fresh zest that pairs well with the savory notes. - Garnishing Ideas: Finish your dish by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This adds a splash of color and a fresh taste that brightens the whole meal. Enjoy every bite of your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet! For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. How to prevent rice from sticking: To stop rice from sticking, rinse it first. Rinse under cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch. Use a large pot with enough water. Stir the rice once when it starts to cook. After that, don’t stir. Let the rice simmer and absorb the liquid. Maintaining a lean dish: Start with lean ground beef. Look for 90% lean or higher. This helps cut down on fat. After browning the beef, drain any extra fat. Use a slotted spoon to lift the beef. This keeps your dish light and healthy. Adding spices for extra flavor: Spices can transform your dish. Ground cumin adds warmth. Smoked paprika gives a subtle, smoky taste. Oregano adds a nice herb flavor. You can also try adding chili powder for heat. Mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. Choosing the right bell pepper: Bell peppers add color and taste. Red peppers are sweet and juicy. They add a pop of flavor. Green peppers have a more earthy taste. Choose your favorite based on your preference. You can mix colors for a vibrant dish! {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef for chicken. This change gives you a lighter flavor. Ground chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you prefer turkey, that works too! For rice, you can use brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Quinoa is gluten-free and cooks faster than brown rice. Both options keep your meal healthy and tasty. Want a kick? Add jalapeños for a spicy version. Dice them and mix with the beef and veggies. This will heat things up and make your dish exciting. If you want a vegetarian option, skip the meat. Use a mix of beans and more veggies instead. Black beans or chickpeas add protein and flavor. This makes it a filling meal without meat. These variations let you enjoy the Ground Beef and Rice Skillet your way. Explore these options to find your perfect flavor! To keep your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. It’s best to eat leftovers within three to four days. I recommend glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. Both types seal tightly and resist stains. If you want to save space, use shallow containers. This way, the food cools faster and stays safe longer. To reheat your skillet, use the stovetop or microwave. If you use the stovetop, add a little water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring often. For the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. To keep the rice fluffy, avoid reheating it too long. Adding a splash of broth can help revive the flavors. This method also keeps the dish from drying out. Enjoy those savory tastes just like when you first made it! How long does it take to cook ground beef? Cooking ground beef takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be brown and no longer pink. Stir often to break it apart. This keeps it cooking evenly. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. What can I serve with Ground Beef and Rice Skillet? This dish pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with lime wedges for a zesty touch. Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind it needs more cooking time. You may need to add a bit more liquid for it to cook well. Is it okay to freeze Ground Beef and Rice Skillet? Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove. What is the best way to ensure the rice cooks evenly? To cook rice evenly, stir it well after adding it to the skillet. Make sure it gets coated with the liquids. Covering the skillet helps trap the steam too. How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked? You know the beef is fully cooked when it turns a nice brown color. There should be no pink spots left. A meat thermometer can help; it should read 160°F (71°C). This blog post covers a simple yet tasty Ground Beef and Rice Skillet. We detailed the ingredients and how to prepare them step by step. Cooking tips help you avoid sticky rice and enhance flavor. We also explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. In closing, this dish is versatile and easy to make. With a few tweaks, you can create your perfect meal every time. Enjoy your cooking!

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Savor the flavor with this delicious Savory Ground Beef and Rice Skillet! Packed with ground beef, colorful veggies, and aromatic spices, it's a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 40 minutes. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime a delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (choose red for sweetness or green for a more earthy flavor)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups beef broth (or substitute with chicken broth for a lighter taste)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if using canned)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there's excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish lean.

    Sauté Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become tender and the onion is translucent.

      Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the long-grain rice, followed by ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.

        Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, add the corn and pour in the beef broth. Stir well to combine everything. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then promptly reduce the heat to low.

          Cook the Rice: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check occasionally, ensuring the rice doesn't stick. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Final Touch: Once cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat. Gently fluff the rice with a fork for a light texture, then let it sit covered for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.

              Serve: Transfer the mixture to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For added flair, serve the dish in colorful bowls and accompany it with lime wedges for an extra zest that will complement the savory flavors. Enjoy your meal!