If there’s one dish that never goes out of style, it’s beef and rice recipes! They’re hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re a student cooking in a small kitchen, a busy professional needing a quick dinner, or a parent feeding a hungry family, this recipe checks all the boxes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: 4
This one-pan beef and rice dish is packed with flavor, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick and ready in under 40 minutes
- Uses pantry staples (rice, ground beef, seasonings)
- One-pot = fewer dishes to wash
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Super versatile with endless variations
Ingredients Needed 🛒
Here’s everything you need for this beef and rice recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine work well)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if that’s what you have)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella – optional topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions:
- Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist
- Use ground lamb or pork for richer flavor
- Add frozen peas or corn for extra veggies
How to Make Beef and Rice Recipes 🍳
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions:
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Season it up: Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cheesy finish (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover for 2 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Recipe Tips & Variations 🔄
- Use pre-cooked rice if you’re in a rush (just reduce broth amount).
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning and black beans.
- Mediterranean twist: Use oregano, olives, and feta instead of cheddar.
- Mistake to avoid: Don’t lift the lid while rice cooks—it needs steam to soften properly.
What to Serve It With 🍽️
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
- A side of coleslaw
- Light soups like chicken broth-based soups
Storage & Reheating Tips 🥡
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep rice fluffy. Microwave works too!
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate) 📊
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
Printable Recipe Card 📝
Beef and Rice Recipe (One-Pot Comfort Food)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Seasonings (paprika, cumin, salt, pepper)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef, drain fat.
- Add onion, pepper, garlic—cook 3 mins.
- Stir in seasonings.
- Add rice, broth, tomatoes, paste. Bring to boil.
- Cover, simmer 20 mins.
- Top with cheese if desired.
- Garnish and serve.
FAQs About Beef and Rice Recipes ❓
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Just increase cooking time by about 10 minutes and add a little extra broth.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely—cook beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker on LOW for 3–4 hours.
3. How do I make it healthier?
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use brown rice, and skip the cheese.
4. Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes! Divide into containers and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner.
5. What if my rice turns mushy?
That usually happens if too much liquid is added. Stick to the exact measurements for best results.
Conclusion 🌟
Beef and rice recipes are the ultimate comfort food—easy, customizable, and family-approved.
With just one pot and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a household favorite !
David Smith is a passionate food writer and recipe creator who loves making cooking simple, fun, and approachable for everyone. With a deep love for experimenting in the kitchen, he shares tried-and-true recipes that are perfect for busy families, home cooks, and food lovers of all skill levels. From quick weeknight dinners to comfort-food classics, David’s recipes are easy to follow, full of flavor, and designed to bring joy to the table.
