Delicious Ground Beef and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Imagine a steaming plate of ground beef and rice, its savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Each bite bursts with flavor, making your taste buds dance like they just won the lottery. Now, picture this dish as your superhero on busy weeknights when you’re juggling work deadlines, kids’ homework, and that mountain of laundry you’ve been avoiding. It’s simple yet delightful—perfect for when you need comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

As I think back to my childhood, I can still hear my mom’s voice echoing through our cozy home as she announced dinner was ready. Ground beef and rice was our family staple; it brought us together after long days. We’d gather around the table, sharing stories about our day while devouring this hearty dish that filled both our bellies and our hearts with joy. Trust me; after trying this recipe, you’ll be left craving seconds!

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe

My friends always rave about my ground beef and rice—one bite leaves them asking for my “secret ingredient”!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while maintaining flavor.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here; it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.
• Onion: Use a medium onion; it adds sweetness when sautéed until golden brown.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem!
• Bell Pepper: Any color works; they add crunch and vibrant color to your dish.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
• Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices elevate taste; adjust amounts based on your heat preference.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; these staples are essential for balancing flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, bell pepper, and mincing garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and less chaotic.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper until they become tender.

Add Ground Beef: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet with veggies. Cook until browned and no longer pink; drain excess fat if needed.

Season Your Mixture: Stir in minced garlic along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant—your kitchen should smell heavenly right now.

Add Rice & Broth: Pour in rinsed rice followed by chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything nicely before bringing it to a simmer.

Cook Until Perfectly Done!: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Reduce heat to low and let cook for about 20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid absorbed.

Enjoy this delightful meal that’s not just easy but also brings comfort in every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet, then add onions and garlic for flavor before mixing in rice and broth. This sequence ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to boost nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

There was one time I made ground beef and rice for my family, and they devoured it in minutes! They still ask me to make it every week, proving that simple can be simply amazing.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken works well as lean alternatives that still taste great.

What can I do if my rice is too sticky?

If your rice is sticky, try rinsing it before cooking next time to remove excess starch.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or spices like cumin for an extra flavor kick!

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Ground Beef and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Ground Beef and Rice is a quick, comforting dish that brings families together with its savory flavors and satisfying texture. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until tender.
3. Crumble in the ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
5. Add rinsed rice and chicken broth; stir gently and bring to simmer.
6. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low; cook for about 20 minutes until rice is fluffy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Feel free to add any vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition.