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.
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
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.
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.