Let me tell you about my go-to weeknight hero, the Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet! This dish is not only super easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and heartiness that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters. I love how everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for those crazy busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home just like it is in mine.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet. You’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean beef for a healthier option and to reduce grease.
- 1 cup rice – I prefer long-grain white rice, but use whatever you have on hand.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – This adds depth of flavor, but water works in a pinch!
- 1 cup mixed vegetables – Use a colorful mix like carrots, peas, and bell peppers for extra nutrition and vibrancy.
- 1 onion, chopped – I love sweet onions for their mild flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in taste!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This is for sautéing and adds lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste; I recommend starting low!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked is best for the most flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This gives a nice hint of smokiness to the dish.
How to Prepare Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking! This Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet comes together quickly, and I promise, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. First, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for your dish!
Next, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in your mixed vegetables and let them cook for another 5 minutes, just until they’re tender. Then, it’s time to add the rice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring everything to a boil! After it bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all those delicious flavors. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving, and watch everyone dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until tender.
- Add rice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet is a total game-changer for your weeknight dinners! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick to prepare: It comes together in just 40 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings!
- Hearty and filling: With beef and veggies, it’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest.
- Versatile with leftover vegetables: Toss in whatever veggies you have in the fridge—nothing goes to waste!
- Healthy option with low fat: Lean beef and plenty of veggies make this dish a nutritious choice.
Tips for Success
To make your Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—if you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes. For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. And if you’ve got some leftover cooked rice, you can throw that in at the end instead of uncooked rice; just add a bit more broth to keep it moist. Lastly, always taste before serving—this is your masterpiece, so make it just right!
Variations
The beauty of the Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet is its versatility! You can switch things up to keep it exciting. For a different protein, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spices like cumin or chili powder for a Mexican twist, or toss in some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for an Italian flair. You could also experiment with using different types of rice—brown rice or even quinoa work beautifully. And don’t forget to play with the veggies; zucchini, corn, or even spinach can add a fresh touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so don’t worry if you can’t finish it all in one sitting! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also pop it in the microwave—just cover it to retain moisture. Enjoy your tasty leftovers without losing any of that delicious flavor!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional content of your Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact figures, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup): approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates, including 3g of fiber. It’s a deliciously filling option that fits well into a low-fat diet. Always remember to adjust based on your own ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet? I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to extend the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can substitute with water, but I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor strong.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! This Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Definitely! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What other veggies can I add?
The options are endless! Try adding zucchini, spinach, or even some chopped broccoli for a colorful twist!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Also, if you’re interested in healthy cooking tips, you can read about healthy cooking tips that can enhance your meals!
Print
Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet: 7 Comforting Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and hearty dish featuring beef and vegetables cooked with rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add rice, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any leftover vegetables you have.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Beef & Veggie Rice Skillet