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.
I first made this ground beef skillet when I needed an easy dinner that would satisfy my whole family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (450 g), use either for the protein base
- 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
- Broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: ½ tsp (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional garnish)
- Shredded cheese: ½ cup (50 g) (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix rice and veggies:
- Add the rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Add broth and cook:
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the 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 My kids especially love when I let them sprinkle fresh parsley on top before digging in together at dinner.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, cutting board, chefs knife, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: None as written (dairy if cheese is used). May contain gluten if using store-bought broth. Always check ingredient packaging for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without cheese)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 25 g
Save This skillet dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight—just one pan and you're done!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and cooks similarly in this skillet dish.
- → What vegetables complement this dish best?
Onions, bell peppers, corn, and peas provide color and sweetness; zucchini, carrots, or green beans are good substitutes.
- → How can I make this meal vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans or tofu for protein while keeping other ingredients and seasonings unchanged.
- → Is it possible to use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase the cooking time and broth quantity to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. It holds well for meal prep, storing leftovers refrigerated and reheating gently before serving.