Get ready to fall in love with the sheer ease and irresistible flavors of this One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet. Imagine juicy ground beef cooked alongside tender vegetables, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and a melty layer of cheddar cheese — all coming together in just one pan. This recipe is your ticket to a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and memorable, loaded with color, loaded with flavor, and begging to be shared with the people you love. Whether you’re chasing after something quick or looking for a crowd-pleaser that makes cleanup a breeze, this dish is set to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need to hunt for fancy ingredients here: everything in this One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is a kitchen staple, making it effortlessly achievable on even the busiest of evenings. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build bold flavor, a hearty texture, and vibrant color — just the magic you want from an all-in-one meal.

Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, olive oil brings rich flavor and helps veggies and beef brown beautifully.
Ground beef: Choose lean for less grease, or go with regular for extra juiciness — this is the heart of your skillet.
Onion: Adds a savory depth and soft sweetness that builds the flavor right from the start.
Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Garlic: No skillet meal is complete without the aromatic warmth only garlic can give.
Salt: Essential for brightening all the other flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper: Adds an earthy bite and gentle heat to every mouthful.
Chili powder: Supplies a smoky, slightly spicy undertone that livens up the entire recipe.
Smoked paprika: Gives the dish its irresistible smoky flavor and alluring color.
Long-grain white rice (uncooked): The secret to perfectly fluffy and separate grains — never mushy.
Beef broth: Adds a savory depth, making the rice rich and flavorful as it cooks.
Diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz can): The juices help cook the rice, while the tomatoes bring tang and moisture.
Frozen corn: Its little bursts of sweetness and texture are a delight in each bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a glorious, creamy topping that pulls the whole skillet together.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A final sprinkle of brightness and fresh appeal just before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Those little browned bits on the bottom? They’re flavor gold! After 5 to 6 minutes, the beef should be nicely browned and cooked through — if there’s excess fat, you can spoon it off.

Step 2: Soften the Veggies

Next, toss in your diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic straight into the same pan with the beef. Let these cook together for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The veggies should soften and release their amazing aroma, turning your kitchen into a haven of comfort!

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Coating everything in these spices not only flavors the beef and veggies but sets the stage for a deeply savory, slightly smoky backdrop in your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, Tomatoes, and Corn

Now, it’s time to add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and frozen corn. Give it all a thorough stir so the rice gets evenly distributed and starts soaking up those delicious juices. Watch out for that burst of color — it’s a feast for the eyes!

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then dial the heat down to low and cover your skillet. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, resisting the urge to peek too often (every time you do, precious steam escapes). When the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’re ready for the finishing touch.

Step 6: Add the Cheese & Let It Melt

Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer across the top of your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet. Put the lid back on for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts into oozy perfection. Trust me, this moment delivers on every promise of comfort food you’ve ever craved.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the skillet. It gives a bright, fresh note and makes the colors truly pop. Serve your skillet dinner warm and bask in the well-earned applause!

How to Serve One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley is always welcome! You can also take your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet to the next level with green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika for added color and kick. If you love spice, thinly sliced jalapeños are sure to please.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple steamed green beans. Warm flour tortillas make great scooping partners and are perfect for catching any extra cheesy goodness left in the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving portions in individual cast-iron mini skillets or wide bowls with plenty of melting cheese on top. For a fun twist, stuff the mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until bubbly — or use as a filling for hand pies! However you serve it, the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet is always the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras (or intentionally doubled the batch — smart move!), transfer leftovers to an airtight container once cooled. Your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent candidate for easy lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, expelling as much air as possible. Label, date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and freshest flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture. Give it a good stir partway through to ensure it heats evenly and the cheese remelts beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the simmering time by 10 to 15 minutes and add extra broth if needed. Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and heartiness to your One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in zucchini, peas, black beans, or even spinach right at the end of cooking! This recipe is flexible and just begging for any veggies you may need to use up.

Can I make this meatless?

You sure can. Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or use lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. The One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet adapts easily to vegetarian preferences.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works in a pinch, though you’ll lose that extra smoky note. For even more depth, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder or a splash of liquid smoke!

How can I make it spicier?

Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños with your bell pepper, using hot chili powder, or serving with your favorite hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese is another fun, spicy cheese swap!

Final Thoughts

When your weeknight calls for something quick, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, you can count on the One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet to deliver. Give it a try and watch it earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation — your future self (and hungry family) will thank you!

One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pan beef and rice skillet dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This cheesy and satisfying meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Additional:

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Add Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
Season and Add Rice: Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Add rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and corn; stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let melt.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.