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Easy 15-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Skillet for Busy Nights

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A quick, comforting weeknight dinner made with ground beef, instant rice, and simple seasonings in a single skillet. Perfect for busy nights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil (optional, if using lean beef)
  • Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, placing them in small bowls.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 5 minutes.
  3. Push the beef to the side and add the onion to the empty space. Cook for 1 minute until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir the beef, onion, and garlic together. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer.
  6. Sprinkle instant rice over the beef mixture without stirring. Cover again and let steam for 3 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
  7. Remove lid, stir everything together. If rice is hard, add a splash of water and cover for 1 more minute.
  8. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Top with cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning of the beef. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness as soy sauce is already salty. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow rice to absorb excess moisture. Instant rice can turn to mush quickly, so watch it closely. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy recipes, one pan meal, comfort food, busy nights

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