Save to Pinterest A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
When I first made this ground beef skillet, my family devoured it in minutes. It's become our go-to for busy weeknights because everything cooks together so quickly—and there's hardly any mess to clean up afterward.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: 1⁄2; tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1⁄2; tsp
- Chili powder (optional): 1⁄2; tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheese (optional): 1⁄2; cup (50 g)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4⁄5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3⁄4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine rice and veggies:
- Add the rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Add seasonings:
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Add broth:
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15⁄18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Let stand:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish:
- Fluff with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest We love topping our bowls with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese. The kids always help add their favorite garnishes, making it a fun and interactive dinner for everyone.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
You can swap in vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or green beans. For a vegetarian dish, omit meat and add beans or tofu for protein.
Meal Prep & Storage
This skillet is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Allergy & Nutrition Info
Contains no major allergens as written. If using cheese or store-bought broth, double-check labels for gluten or dairy. Each serving (without cheese): 390 calories, 25 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this flavorful, filling meal any night of the week. Every bite brings warmth and comfort to your table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works equally well and provides a lighter alternative while keeping the dish flavorful.
- → What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to swap in zucchini, carrots, green beans, or extra beans for variety and texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans or tofu to keep protein content while maintaining the dish's heartiness.
- → How can I adjust the cooking for brown rice?
Use increased broth and extend simmering time, as brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking.
- → What are good garnish options?
Fresh parsley or cilantro add brightness, and shredded cheese can add richness if desired.