Description
This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with onions and combined with rice, broth, and seasonings all in one skillet, making for a simple yet flavorful dish. Optional toppings like fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or green onions add an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2.5 cups chopped onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
- 2½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon to retain flavor for the dish.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. This step helps to coat the rice with flavors before cooking.
- Toast the Rice: Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the skillet.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to kickstart the cooking process of the rice.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish and Season: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the dish hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Using brown rice will increase cooking time and add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the dish.
- For a lower-fat option, drain excess fat thoroughly after cooking the beef.
- Customize toppings according to your preference or dietary needs.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can omit it or add a splash of soy sauce for a similar umami note.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to prevent burning the rice at the bottom.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
