Name: Ground Beef Rice Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 1/2 cups beef stock, low sodium; 1 1/4 cups long grain rice; 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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This Ground Beef Rice Skillet is a quick, satisfying one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. Made with tender beef, hearty rice, melty cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a comforting dish the whole family will love—ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic ingredients into a simple yet hearty meal that’s ready fast. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The ground beef adds richness, the rice makes it filling, and the cheese gives it that satisfying, melty finish. With just the right blend of spices and a touch of green chiles, it has great flavor without being too spicy—ideal for all ages.

Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
diced onion
garlic, minced
salt
black pepper
canned green chiles
canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
low-sodium beef stock
long grain rice
Worcestershire sauce
shredded cheddar cheese
fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Brown the beef: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the onions begin to soften.
Add liquids and rice: Add green chiles, undrained diced tomatoes, beef stock, rice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Add cheese: Turn off the heat. Remove the lid, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then replace the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Tex-Mex style: Stir in black beans or corn for a heartier twist.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella instead of cheddar.
Use brown rice: Increase cooking time and add extra broth, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of long grain rice?

You can, but reduce the cooking time and adjust the liquid, as instant rice cooks much faster.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to beef.

What’s the best type of rice for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal. Short grain rice can become sticky, and brown rice requires more time and liquid.

Can I skip the green chiles?

Yes. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit them or replace with mild bell peppers.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?

Keep the heat low during the simmering phase and don’t lift the lid until the rice is done cooking.

What’s a good side dish for this meal?

This skillet is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or tortilla chips.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check labels on other ingredients.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Rice Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and family-approved dinner you can whip up in one pan with pantry staples. Whether you’re short on time or just want something comforting and hearty, this dish delivers. Make it your own with easy swaps and additions, and enjoy a satisfying meal with little effort and even less cleanup.