Ground Beef Recipes With Rice

Name: Ground Beef Recipes With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Nostalgic Flavors

I love making hearty dishes that are not only filling but also packed with flavor. One of my favorite go-tos is ground beef recipes with rice, which allows me to combine tender beef with fluffy rice for a perfect meal. Whether you're looking for something quick for a weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with family, this recipe is a winner. With a few simple ingredients, I can create a satisfying dish that everyone loves, making it a staple in my weeknight rotation.

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:43:16.236Z

In my culinary adventures, I've experimented with numerous ground beef dishes, but the combination with rice has consistently delivered crowd-pleasing results. I've found that the rice absorbs the flavors of the beef and spices beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience. A tip I’ve learned is to use a well-seasoned broth instead of water when cooking the rice, enhancing the overall flavor.

Each time I prepare this dish, it brings back memories of family dinners, where we gather around the table to enjoy a home-cooked meal. I've adapted the recipe over time, adding veggies for nutrition and color. It’s versatile enough to allow for personal twists, which keeps it exciting!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A comforting mix of savory beef and fluffy rice
Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy nights
Flexibility to add your favorite vegetables or spices

      

Choosing the Right Rice

The type of rice you use can greatly influence the texture of your dish. Long-grain rice, like basmati or Jasmine, tends to stay fluffy and separate after cooking, which is ideal for a dish where you want the rice to complement the beef without becoming mushy. On the other hand, medium or short-grain rice, such as Arborio, absorbs more liquid and can become creamier, which gives a different texture that's also delightful. My preference leans towards long-grain for this recipe, but the choice can be adjusted based on your taste.

Consider soaking your rice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This pre-soaking helps the grains absorb some moisture, ensuring they cook evenly and resulting in a fluffy final product. If you're short on time, rinsing the rice under cold water will also do the trick by removing excess starch that can lead to clumping.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

The paprika in this recipe adds not just a hint of warmth, but also a beautiful red color, making the dish visually appealing. If you enjoy a bit more kick, feel free to substitute smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor. Alternatively, a dash of cayenne pepper can bring a delightful heat that contrasts nicely with the richness of the ground beef. Experimenting with spices can personalize the dish to your liking.

Don’t hesitate to incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or oregano during the cooking process. Adding a teaspoon of dried herbs at the same time as the rice can infuse the dish with an aromatic quality that enhances the savory notes of the beef. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for a burst of bright flavor that elevates the meal.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious ground beef recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather these ingredients, and you'll be set to create a fantastic meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare this comforting rice dish:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Cook Rice

Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, paprika, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Season and Serve

Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

And there you have it! A delicious comfort dish ready to be enjoyed.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider including a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during the cooking process. Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition!

Make-Ahead Tips

This ground beef and rice dish can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply complete the steps up to cooking the rice, then let everything cool before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to rehydrate the rice and ensure it stays tender.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently on the stove with a bit of added liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish is versatile enough to be served alongside various sides. A light salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the beef and rice. Alternatively, some crusty bread or warm tortillas can complement the meal and offer a different texture to enjoy with every bite.

For an even heartier option, consider topping individual servings with shredded cheese about five minutes before the dish is done cooking. Covering the skillet will help the cheese melt beautifully, creating a creamy layer that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the beef and rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free and consider using rice that is labeled as such.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the beef and rice mixture in advance and reheat before serving.

→ What can I add for more flavor?

You can add spices like cumin or chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce for a kick!