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One-Pot Beef and Rice Skillet - Fast, Cozy, and Packed With Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85%–90% lean)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked), rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2–3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat the skillet: Set a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. If your beef is very lean, add olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until deeply browned and crumbly, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season well: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef and veggies, toasting the spices for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Stir in tomato base: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices.
  6. Add rice and liquid: Stir in rinsed rice and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Simmer gently: Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  8. Finish it: If using peas or corn, stir them in during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to steam and set.
  9. Taste and adjust: Fluff with a fork. Add more salt or a squeeze of lime if you like. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 1–2 minutes to melt, then top with fresh herbs.
  10. Serve: Spoon into bowls and enjoy as is, or add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flair.