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Easy One Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Casserole

easy one pan ground beef and rice skillet casserole - featured image

A simple, savory one-pan meal where rice cooks directly in beef broth and browned ground beef, creating a creamy, comforting dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • ½ cup (120g) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until browned and no longer pink (approx. 5 minutes).
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan with the beef. Cook until soft and translucent (approx. 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in uncooked rice, dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the rice in beef fat and spices.
  4. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Keep lid on and let rest for 5 minutes to allow rice to finish absorbing moisture and become fluffy.
  7. Fluff with a fork before serving. Stir in optional frozen vegetables during the resting phase if using.

Notes

Do not stir the rice while it simmers to prevent mushiness. Ensure the lid fits tightly to trap steam. If rice is still hard, add a splash of water and cook 2 more minutes. If too much liquid remains, remove lid and simmer briefly. For a cheesy version, stir in cheddar after removing from heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan dinner, ground beef and rice, skillet casserole, easy weeknight meals, comfort food, family friendly, gluten-free option