Save It A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
I first discovered this ground beef skillet when I needed a fast weeknight meal that everyone in my family liked. Not only did my kids love the veggies mixed with rice but my partner appreciated the minimal mess afterward.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp, for heat
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional garnish): 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheese (optional garnish): ½ cup (50 g)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and veggies:
- Add rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Add broth:
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Fluff with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save It This recipe always brings everyone to the table. Even picky eaters ask for seconds when we serve ground beef skillet, especially topped with a sprinkle of cheese.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, cutting board, chef's knife, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
No common allergens as written unless using cheese. Verify broth labels for potential gluten.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 390 calories, 11 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein (without cheese).
Save It Serve hot, garnish generously, and enjoy how easy cleanup is after this one-pan weeknight winner.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.
- → What vegetables can I add or replace in this skillet?
Zucchini, carrots, green beans, or other fresh or frozen veggies can be used to customize the dish.
- → Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking liquid and time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the optional shredded cheese topping to keep the dish dairy-free.
- → What tools are recommended for preparing this skillet meal?
A large deep skillet with a lid is essential, along with basics like a cutting board, chef’s knife, and wooden spoon.