Description
A quick, budget-friendly one-pot meal featuring ground beef, rice, and tomatoes that cooks in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the rice, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and ensure the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check that the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. If needed, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and remove from heat. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve topped with cheese.
Notes
Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess. Do not lift the lid while simmering to ensure proper steam cooking. Resting the dish for 5 minutes is crucial for texture. This recipe does not freeze well due to rice texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one-pot meal, budget dinner, ground beef, rice skillet, easy weeknight dinner, family friendly, meal prep