If you’re craving a fuss-free dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, look no further than this One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet. It’s the kind of meal that checks every box: easy cleanup, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. With juicy ground beef, tender rice, sweet pops of corn, and a blanket of melty cheddar, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh. One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you want something homemade, comforting, and satisfying—without a mountain of dishes.

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; every ingredient has a role to play, whether it’s adding savory depth, a pop of color, or a creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet truly shine:

Olive oil: Use this to sauté and bring out the flavors of the beef and veggies while preventing sticking.
Ground beef: The star of the skillet, it brings rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and savory backbone to the dish.
Garlic: Two cloves is just right for a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
Chili powder: Brings gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy depth and rounds out the spice blend.
Paprika: Sweet, smoky, and a touch peppery for extra flavor dimension.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and enhances every bite.
Long-grain white rice: Soaks up all the flavors and provides that perfect, fluffy texture.
Beef broth: Infuses the rice and beef with rich, savory undertones.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds acidity, moisture, and a pop of color.
Frozen corn: Sweet little bursts of color and crunch that balance the savory flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted over the top for a gooey, irresistible finish.
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish): Brightens the whole skillet with a touch of color and freshness.

How to Make One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. You want it to be nicely caramelized and crumbly—if there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the same pan. Sauté everything together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step builds a savory base for your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef, onion, and garlic with those aromatic spices. Letting the spices toast briefly in the hot skillet will really amp up their flavors!

Step 4: Mix in the Rice, Broth, Tomatoes, and Corn

Now add the uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and frozen corn. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid. This is where the magic happens as the rice cooks and soaks up all those bold flavors.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Try not to peek too often so you don’t lose steam—trust the process!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melty. Finish with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A final flourish of green is all you need to make this dish pop. Fresh parsley or sliced green onions give your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet a restaurant-worthy finish and a touch of brightness that lifts all the flavors.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some warm tortillas, or even roasted veggies. If you’re serving a crowd, add a bowl of tangy salsa or a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, scoop the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet into bell pepper halves and bake until the peppers are tender. Or serve it in small bowls topped with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, colorful presentation that will impress guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors of One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet only deepen overnight, making it even more delicious for lunch the next day. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too! Let the skillet cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Just know that the texture of the rice may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor will still be spot on.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until hot, stirring halfway through. For larger batches, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. A sprinkle of extra cheese just before serving never hurts!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome swap, but you’ll need to increase the amount of broth slightly and extend the simmering time until the rice is cooked through. The nutty flavor of brown rice works wonderfully in this One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, go for it! Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You can also use a spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. This recipe is super flexible. Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand and sneak in extra veggies.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you double-check that your beef broth and all other ingredients are gluten-free, you’re good to go. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy or sensitivity.

Can I prepare One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet ahead of time?

You sure can! Make the entire skillet ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently and add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and herbs. It makes a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so inviting about a bubbling, cheesy skillet that comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting dinner with minimal cleanup, One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet fits the bill. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite in your weeknight rotation!

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 27 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 meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic spices, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Spices

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pantry Items

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture and enhance the flavor.
Combine Rice and Liquids: Add uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and cover again for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve the skillet warm for a satisfying one-pan meal.

Notes

For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes when adding the spices.
You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the beef broth slightly and extend the cooking time accordingly.
This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
To make it vegetarian, substitute beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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