Save A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it comes together fast and everyone loves it. Whether I use beef or turkey, it always delivers maximum flavor and makes busy weeknights much easier.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (450 g), use either for protein
- 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 for serving
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 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine rice and veggies:
- Add rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder if using. Mix well.
- Add broth:
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Fluff with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save I remember making this for my family on a cold evening; it was the perfect comforting meal and everyone helped themselves to seconds. It is great for meal prep and makes the next day's lunch easy.
Recipe Variations
Swap out the veggies for zucchini, carrots, or green beans to suit what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, omit meat and add beans or tofu for extra protein and texture.
Nutrition & Allergen Info
Each serving has about 390 calories, 11 g fat, 46 g carbs, and 25 g protein without cheese. The recipe contains no major allergens as written, but check packaging for gluten and other allergens if sensitive.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Use a large deep skillet with a lid for best results, plus a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef's knife, wooden spoon, and reliable measuring cups and spoons.
Save This ground beef skillet makes weeknight dinners a breeze and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy every bite with your favorite toppings.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- → What vegetables can I add or swap in this dish?
Zucchini, carrots, or green beans are great alternatives to customize your skillet.
- → Is it possible to make this with brown rice?
Brown rice can be used, but increase the cooking liquid and simmering time accordingly.
- → Can this meal be refrigerated for leftovers?
Yes, it stores well and reheats nicely for easy meal prepping.
- → What seasonings give this dish its flavor?
Smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and optional chili powder provide a balanced and savory profile.