Save 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.
I first made this ground beef skillet when looking for something filling and easy on a busy weeknight. It quickly became a go-to in our household.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground 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: 1½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional garnish): 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheese (optional, for serving): ½ cup (50 g)
Instructions
- Brown proteins:
- 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.
- Add rice & frozen 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 liquids:
- 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.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finishing touches:
- Fluff with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Save This is the kind of meal where everyone gathers around the table and no one complains. Even picky eaters love the mix of veggies and rice!
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, cutting board, chefs knife, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
No major allergens as written. Adding cheese adds dairy. Double-check packaged ingredients for surprises.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (without cheese) provides about 390 calories, 11 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Save This dish is even better the next day and makes perfect leftovers for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your easy, comforting skillet meal!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and cooks similarly in this skillet method.
- → What vegetables can I add or replace?
Try zucchini, carrots, green beans, or extra frozen peas and corn to vary flavors and textures.
- → How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans, tofu, or plant-based proteins for a meat-free option.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase broth amount and cooking time to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- → What seasoning options enhance this dish?
Smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper create a balanced savory flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it stores well and reheats easily while maintaining flavors and texture.