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Quick Cozy Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner – Easy 30-Minute Meal

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A quick and cozy one-pan beef and rice skillet dinner ready in 30 minutes. Ground beef, rice, and pantry spices simmer together in a savory broth for a comforting weeknight meal that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the ground beef. Break it up into large chunks and let it brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Then break it apart and stir.
  3. Add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any remaining browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Stir in the uncooked rice until evenly distributed. Do not stir again after this point.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  9. After 18 minutes, check the rice. If still crunchy and liquid is gone, add ¼ cup more broth or water, re-cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes. If tender but excess liquid remains, remove lid and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet. If using leaner ground beef (93/7), add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning. The tomato paste is non-negotiable for deep flavor. For brown rice, increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth. For jasmine or basmati rice, check for doneness at 15 minutes. To toast the rice for extra flavor, after removing beef and onion, add a little butter and toast the uncooked rice for 2-3 minutes until nutty and golden before adding liquids.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and rice skillet, one-pan meal, 30-minute dinner, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/quick-cozy-beef-and-rice-skillet-dinner-easy-30-minute-meal/