Ground Beef with Rice Recipe

This ground beef with rice recipe is a flavorful combination of minced beef, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings, to create a hearty, filling weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean ground beef and rice


Enjoy a warm and comforting meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, anytime you want!

More Beef Recipes To Try

Ground Beef Casserole
Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Easy Braised Beef Shanks
Barbacoa Beef

Ingredients for ground beef with rice

  • Ground beef
  • Rice
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Bell pepper
  • Tomato
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
One-pot ground beef and rice


How to make ground beef with rice

To begin, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on your stovetop.

Once the pot is hot, add one pound of ground beef and cook it until it is fully browned, breaking up any large clumps of meat with a wooden spoon as you go.

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pot and discard it.

Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together well and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Now, add one cup of uncooked white rice to the pot with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir the rice around until it is coated with the mixture and everything is well combined.

Next, add one can of diced tomatoes (undrained), one can of tomato sauce, two cups of beef broth, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the pot. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure that everything is cooking evenly.

Once the ground beef with rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and serve the dish hot. You can garnish each serving with fresh herbs or shredded cheese.

Asian ground beef and rice


What to serve with ground beef with rice

Ground beef with rice is filling enough to be an entire meal on its own, or with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions for what to serve with ground beef with rice:

Salad: A simple green salad or a salad with mixed vegetables would be a great complement to the richness of ground beef with rice.

Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, would provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern accompaniment to a dish like ground beef with rice. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs well with the savory flavors of the beef and spices.

Tortillas: If you’re looking for a Tex-Mex twist, serving ground beef with rice in tortillas to make tacos or burritos would be a delicious option.

Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, would be a great hearty side dish to balance out the flavors of the beef and rice.

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, would add a smoky flavor and a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Mexican ground beef and rice


Occasions to serve ground beef with rice

Ground beef with rice can be served on a whim or planned get-togethers with friends and family. Here are some occasions where you might consider serving ground beef with rice:

Weeknight Dinner: Ground beef with rice is perfect for a busy weeknight because it’s quick to prepare and can be made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Family Gathering: It’s a great dish to serve at a family gathering or potluck. Just double or triple the recipe, depending on how many guests you need to feed.

Game Day: Serve ground beef with rice with tortilla chips or in tacos for a Tex-Mex twist, for a delicious and hearty option on game day.

Meal Prep: Ground beef with rice is a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Comfort Food: Ground beef with rice is a comforting and familiar dish that is perfect for colder weather or when you need some comfort food.

Ground beef and rice skillet

How to store ground beef with rice

To store leftover ground beef with rice, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent condensation and the growth of bacteria.

Once the ground beef with rice is stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 4 days if stored properly. When reheating the dish, make sure to reheat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

If you need to store ground beef with rice for a longer period of time, you can also freeze it. 

To freeze, let the dish cool down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, and place it in the freezer. The dish can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat ground beef with rice

There are a few ways to reheat ground beef with rice, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available.

Microwave: If you’re short on time, the quickest way to reheat ground beef with rice is to use a microwave.

Place the leftover dish in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Microwave the dish on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

Stovetop: To reheat ground beef with rice on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the pan to help moisten the rice and prevent sticking.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Oven: To reheat a larger quantity of ground beef with rice, you can use an oven.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the ground beef with rice to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Ground beef with rice FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Sure. Ground turkey has a milder flavor than ground beef, so you may want to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Can I add vegetables to ground beef with rice?

Definitely! And I highly recommend it, for extra flavors, color, and texture. Popular options include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and peas.

Can I make ground beef with rice in a slow cooker?

For sure! Brown the ground beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the rice and other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Don’t use too much liquid to cook the rice. Avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking, as this can break up the grains and cause them to become mushy.

Can I make ground beef with rice ahead of time?

Can I make ground beef with rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?

Yes, just know that instant rice cooks much faster than regular rice, so you may need to shorten the cooking time.

How do I know when the ground beef with rice is done cooking?

When the rice is tender and the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink, your ground beef with rice should be done cooking.

Try it out tonight and let me know how you prefer your ground beef rice.

Ground Beef With Rice Recipe

This ground beef with rice recipe is a flavorful combination of minced beef, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings, to create a hearty, filling weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the uncooked white rice to the pot and stir until the rice is coated with the beef and vegetable mixture.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
  • Serve the ground beef with rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese.

Similar Recipes



Get our FREE Printable Meal Planner and other helpful goodies straight to your inbox!




Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating