Save A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
I first made this Ground Beef Skillet on a busy weeknight and was amazed by how quickly it came together—everyone loved it, and there were hardly any dishes to wash afterward.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef or 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: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: ½ tsp (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Shredded cheese: ½ cup (50 g), optional
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Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook vegetables:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and veggies:
- Add rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Add broth:
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Fluff with fork. Top with parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save This recipe is a favorite for busy evenings—the smell always brings everyone to the table, and even picky eaters are happy to dig in.
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Recipe Variations
Swap in vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini, carrots, or green beans. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add beans or tofu.
Meal Prep & Storage
This skillet keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for reheating lunches or dinner. Freeze leftovers for easy future meals.
Nutrition Notes
Each serving (without cheese) contains about 390 calories, 11 g fat, 46 g carbs, and 25 g protein—a balanced, filling meal for the whole family.
Save 
Try this skillet for a quick dinner—cleanup is a breeze and the savory flavors are hard to resist.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and maintains the dish's flavor and texture.
- → What vegetables can I add or replace in this skillet?
Feel free to swap in zucchini, carrots, or green beans to vary the flavor and add different textures.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the meat and increase beans or tofu to keep the dish hearty and protein-rich.
- → Is brown rice a good option here?
Brown rice can be used but requires more broth and longer cooking time to reach tenderness.
- → What seasoning variations work well with this dish?
Smoked paprika and oregano give depth, while chili powder adds subtle heat; adjust to taste or try cumin for a twist.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it convenient for leftovers.
