Easy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, the aroma of sizzling ground beef and rice wrapping around you like a warm hug. This dish isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia on a plate—reminding me of my childhood dinners when my mom would whip it up faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?”

This recipe has earned its place in my heart (and stomach) for many reasons. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together at the table—a tasty reminder that even on hectic days, deliciousness is just a few steps away. So grab your spatula; let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.

I still remember my friend’s face lighting up when they tasted my ground beef and rice for the first time!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while keeping it flavorful.
• Long-Grain Rice: Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture; jasmine or basmati works wonderfully too.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick; minced garlic elevates the flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper: Chopped bell pepper adds color and crunch; feel free to use any color you like.
• Tomato Sauce: Use a good-quality tomato sauce for richness; it keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika create a well-rounded flavor; adjust based on your preference.
• Broth or Water: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances flavor; plain water works if you’re in a pinch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping onion, garlic, bell pepper, and measuring out your rice. Gather all ingredients to streamline cooking.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent. Then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.

Add Ground Beef**: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Mix in Vegetables**: Toss in chopped bell peppers along with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Let them cook until tender—about 5 minutes should do.

Add Rice & Liquid**: Stir in uncooked rice followed by tomato sauce and broth (or water). Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cook Until Perfect**: Cover the skillet tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook for approximately 20 minutes until liquid absorbs completely and rice is fluffy.

Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs or cheese if desired—and watch as everyone dives into their plates! Enjoy this comforting meal that showcases how simple ingredients can create magic in your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then add onions and spices before mixing in cooked rice for even flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color. You can also experiment with different spices to personalize the taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of my college days when I’d whip it up for friends during study sessions. The fantastic aroma would lure everyone into my tiny kitchen, creating unforgettable memories filled with laughter and deliciousness.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work beautifully in this recipe.

How do I know when my ground beef is fully cooked?

Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and is no longer pink.

What’s the best way to season ground beef and rice?

Use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any favorite herbs for great flavor.

Print

Delicious Ground Beef and Rice Dish

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This easy ground beef and rice recipe yields a quick, flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• salt, pepper, cumin, paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Measure out the rice.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions in oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Increase heat slightly, add ground beef to the pan, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the chopped bell peppers along with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
5. Mix in uncooked rice followed by tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the skillet tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes until liquid absorbs completely and rice is fluffy. Serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, include vegetables like peas or corn. - Experiment with spices such as chili powder for a kick. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; they last up to four days.