If you’re hunting for a hearty, flexible, and ridiculously easy dinner that the whole family loves, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet! Imagine tender beef, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheddar, all coming together in a single skillet—minimal mess, maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or when you just want a cozy, homestyle meal without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Get ready, because you’ll want to make this One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet again and again!

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is how simple everyday ingredients transform into something special, with each one bringing its own punch of flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need for your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet, along with a few tips to guarantee delicious results.

Olive oil: Kicks off the flavor as you sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and golden.
Ground beef: The savory heart of the dish—choose 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful skillet.
Onion: Finely chopped onion melts into the beef, adding subtle sweetness and savoriness.
Garlic: Two cloves (or more, if you love it) add aromatic depth in every bite.
Chili powder: Gives the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet a gentle kick and gorgeous color.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Dried oregano: Brings in an herby, earthy undertone that makes the whole pan sing.
Salt: Essential for tying all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you go!
Black pepper: A dash sharpens up the spices without overpowering.
Long-grain white rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the flavors and guarantees a fluffy finish.
Beef broth: Adds rich, beefy depth—use low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Canned tomatoes bring freshness, acidity, and a touch of sweetness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection right before serving.
Fresh parsley or green onions (garnish): Totally optional, but they add a pop of color and a little zing.

How to Make One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the onions just enough so they quietly melt into the background, laying a delicious foundation. Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about thirty seconds—just until fragrant. This duo brings unbeatable depth and aroma to your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet from the very first step.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef straight into your skillet and sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. With your spatula, break the meat up as it cooks. Let it sizzle for five to six minutes, until it’s deeply browned and there are no lingering pink bits. If you see a lot of fat, feel free to carefully drain the excess off—just enough to keep things hearty, not greasy.

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes

Now the fun begins! Pour in your uncooked rice, beef broth, and the whole can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Stir everything together really well, so the rice is evenly distributed. The broth will infuse every grain of rice with beefy flavor, while the tomatoes lend a fresh, tangy brightness. Raise the heat and bring it all to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender

Once you see those bubbly edges, reduce the heat to low, pop on a lid, and let your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet simmer away for eighteen to twenty minutes. The rice will slowly soak up all the savory liquids and become irresistibly tender. Avoid peeking too often—the steam is working its magic!

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious blanket. Just before serving, scatter fresh parsley or green onions for a vivid burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley or chopped green onions is all you need to add color and a light, herby finish. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado bring a wonderful cool creaminess to this warm skillet meal. Let everyone customize their own bowl!

Side Dishes

Truthfully, the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own. But if you want to stretch things out or add variety, try serving with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies. A side of roasted corn or sautéed bell peppers would complement the flavors beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring out your favorite wide, shallow bowls and let the cheesy skillet take center stage. For something a little different, scoop the mixture into bell pepper halves and broil with extra cheese, or stuff into tortillas for a quick handheld option. The colorful presentation makes any meal feel just a bit more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a lifesaver, and the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet keeps exceptionally well. Cool any extras to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to four days—perfect for lunchboxes or a speedy dinner encore.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion individual servings or the whole batch into freezer-safe containers. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re in need of a fuss-free meal, just grab, thaw, and reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave single servings (loosely covered) for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, use a skillet over medium heat—just add a splash of broth or water so the rice stays creamy and moist. Top with a little fresh cheese and garnish to revive that straight-from-the-stove magic.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just know that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires extra liquid. Plan to add about 15–20 more minutes and an additional half cup of broth so your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet stays tender and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite meatless crumbles or even cooked lentils. Vegetable broth works perfectly in place of beef broth, and you’ll still get that hearty, comforting skillet effect.

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, black beans, or zucchini with the rice and broth. They’ll cook alongside everything else and amp up the color and nutrition of your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet.

What type Main Course

Cheddar is classic for its flavor and melt, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby are all delicious options. Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese blend for a fun twist!

Does this recipe double well for a larger crowd?

It sure does! Double everything, but keep an eye on your skillet size—use a large Dutch oven or a wide, deep skillet so everything cooks evenly. You might need to add a few extra minutes for the rice to cook through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a meal that checks every box: easy, delicious, cozy, and nearly no cleanup! I just know the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet will find a place in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it disappears fast—everyone loves this cheerful, cheesy classic!

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that comes together quickly in just one pan, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Tender ground beef cooked with aromatic spices, rice, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

For Garnish:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, then add the ground beef, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Cook the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is flexible—add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
Brown rice can be used, but cooking time will need to be increased by 15–20 minutes with additional broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American