Ever had one of those days where even thinking about what to cook feels like a chore? That was me last Tuesday. The fridge stared back with that same half-used onion and a pack of ground beef, and I thought, ‘Alright, let’s get creative.’ This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is my go-to when I want something warm, filling, and doesn’t leave the kitchen looking like a war zone. The best part? It uses stuff I almost always have lying around. Just rice, ground beef, and a few seasonings to make it all pop. You can dress it up or down depending on what you’ve got—maybe throw in some bell peppers if you’re feeling fancy. It’s comfort food with a shortcut, and I don’t say that lightly. Whether you’re a college student juggling assignments or a parent with a toddler hanging off one arm, this one-skillet wonder hits the spot. And hey, if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how you only have one pan to wash afterward. Because let’s face it—washing dishes is no one’s idea of a good time.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
4) How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
6) Making Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
8) Try these Ground Beef recipes next!
9) Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
One-pan cleanup makes it perfect for weeknight cooking.
Flexible recipe that works with leftover rice and add-ins.
Classic comfort food with a warm, homey feel.

2) Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver when time feels short and hunger hits hard. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or kitchen acrobatics. Just a skillet, some ground beef, cooked rice, and a few pantry staples. That’s it. What you get is a hot, hearty meal that feels like it took more effort than it actually did.

I’ve been making this dish for years, mostly when I want something cozy but don’t want to babysit a stove all evening. It’s the kind of meal that you start cooking without a plan, then take one bite and realize, yep, we’re making this again next week. That’s how it got on repeat in our house.

If you’re looking for easy recipes with ground beef that everyone at the table will actually eat, this one is gold. It’s unfussy, satisfying, and a little nostalgic in all the right ways.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Ground Beef This is the foundation. I like using 85/15 because it’s got enough fat for flavor but not so much that it gets greasy. Just brown it until it’s no longer pink.

Cooked White Rice If I have leftover rice, I’m using it. Cold rice works better because it doesn’t get mushy. Long grain, jasmine, or basmati all do the trick.

Garlic Minced garlic adds a kick of flavor. I use fresh when I can, but the jarred stuff is fine too if that’s what’s on hand. One or two cloves is enough.

Onion A diced yellow onion gives the dish a mellow sweetness once it softens. It plays well with the savory beef and rice.

Tomato Sauce One can is plenty. It adds depth and brings all the ingredients together into one cohesive meal. Don’t skip it.

Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika These three are non-negotiable. I add a bit of dried oregano sometimes too, if I’m feeling it.

Cheddar Cheese I don’t always add cheese, but when I do, I sprinkle it over the top and let it melt just before serving. It makes the dish creamy and rich without much effort.

4) How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1 Grab your largest skillet and heat it over medium. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces.

Step 2 Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about five minutes until the onion softens and the garlic smells nice.

Step 3 Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it simmer for five more minutes. The sauce should start to thicken just a bit.

Step 4 Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to fold it in, making sure the rice gets fully coated in the sauce and beef mixture.

Step 5 If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it evenly across the top. Cover the skillet with a lid, turn the heat to low, and wait two to three minutes until the cheese melts.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Leftover rice is your friend here. It stays firmer and mixes better. If you’re cooking rice fresh, spread it on a plate to cool first—it really helps.

Don’t rush the garlic and onion step. That’s where a lot of the flavor builds. If they burn, start over. Trust me, scorched garlic ruins the whole thing.

You can bulk up the dish with extras like black beans, diced tomatoes, or frozen peas. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that plays well with additions.

6) Making Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Ahead of Time

This dish is ideal for making ahead. I often double the recipe just to have leftovers. It keeps in the fridge for up to four days and reheats beautifully.

If I know I’ll be tight on time, I cook everything ahead but leave the cheese off. I add it fresh when I reheat each portion. That way it stays creamy and doesn’t get rubbery.

You can even make this part of your meal prep routine. Divide into containers and freeze for later. It’s one of the better easy recipes for dinner that doesn’t fall apart after reheating.

7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Let everything cool before storing. I spoon leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’s good for up to four days, but it rarely lasts that long around here.

For freezing, make sure it’s fully cool first. Portion it into freezer bags or containers, label the date, and freeze. It holds up well for about two months.

To reheat, microwave a serving with a splash of water. That keeps the rice from drying out. Stir halfway through, then add fresh cheese if you want to level it up again.

8) Try these Ground Beef recipes next!

9) Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe