Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan | Easy Cozy Weeknight Meal

This ground beef and veggie rice one-pan recipe brings together tender beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in a single skillet. It’s cozy, hearty, and just what a busy evening calls for.

With under 10 minutes of prep and one pan to clean, it’s exactly the kind of easy meal that becomes a staple for families. Expect savory, well-balanced flavor and a visually satisfying plate that looks great and tastes even better.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or prepping for a busy night, this dish checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan

• Fast prep and faster cleanup: One pan means less mess, and you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Everything in this recipe is affordable and easy to find
• Great for families: The soft texture and savory flavor appeal to all ages
• Beautiful on the table: With colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, it looks great served right from the pan

This recipe fits perfectly with our easy dinner recipes, designed for busy families who want something fast, nutritious, and satisfying.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef – for hearty, savory flavor and protein
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – to sauté the onions and garlic
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – brings a bold, aromatic base
• 1 cup uncooked white rice – long-grain or jasmine works best for texture
• 2 ¼ cups beef broth (low sodium) – provides moisture and flavor for cooking the rice
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels – adds a subtle sweetness
• 1 cup diced zucchini – for fiber and color
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color) – vibrant and slightly crisp
• ½ cup frozen green peas – for a pop of color and nutrition
• 1 teaspoon paprika – a mild spice to round out the flavors
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – adds earthiness
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – melts into a creamy top layer
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley – adds fresh flavor before serving

You can easily substitute vegetables depending on what you have available, and the result will still be a delicious, colorful meal.

How to Make Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

1. Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add onions and garlic
Push the beef to the edges of the pan. Add olive oil to the center, then sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in rice and vegetables
Add the uncooked rice, corn, zucchini, bell peppers, and peas. Stir to combine everything evenly in the skillet.

4. Add broth and seasoning
Pour in the beef broth, then season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer covered
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit (still covered) for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Sprinkle with optional cheddar cheese while still hot, and garnish with parsley if desired.

For another weeknight favorite using ground beef, you might enjoy this tater tot casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Rice

This one-pan meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but these serving suggestions help round it out or bring variety to leftovers.

• Serve with a crisp green salad: A fresh side salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish
• Scoop into lettuce cups: Use romaine or butter lettuce for a low-carb alternative
• Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream: For a creamy, cool contrast to the warm skillet
• Add hot sauce: A splash of your favorite adds heat and zing
• Serve in bowls with tortilla chips: Great for casual dinners or lunch leftovers

It also pairs beautifully with something comforting like these cheesy ground beef enchiladas for an extra cozy dinner.

Variations and Customization Ideas for Beef and Rice

It’s easy to make this meal your own. Here are five popular ways to customize your ground beef and veggie rice one-pan:

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or taco seasoning for a spiced-up version
• Swap in brown rice: You’ll need to increase cooking time and broth slightly, but it adds a nutty flavor
• Use cauliflower rice: Lower carb and faster cook time (reduce broth by ⅔ and cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes)
• Add canned beans: Black beans or kidney beans add more protein and texture
• Try different proteins: Ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even lentils all work well

No matter how you tweak it, this one-pan meal keeps the spirit of simplicity and flavor.

For a creamier, heartier option, you might like this hamburger rice casserole, especially when feeding a crowd.

Storage and Reheating for Ground Beef and Rice

This one-pan beef and veggie rice dish is perfect for make-ahead meals, meal prep, or leftovers the next day.

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to restore moisture. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between, or warm over medium heat on the stovetop.

It also freezes well. Divide into single portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

This makes a great next-day lunch or meal for busy weeknights, just like this creamy chicken and rice dish.

Pro Tips for the Best One-Pan Ground Beef Rice

Here are a few quick tricks to level up this recipe even further:

• Toast the rice before adding broth: Stirring rice in the pan for 1–2 minutes gives it a slightly nutty flavor
• Don’t rush the resting time: Letting the dish sit with the lid on after cooking helps steam finish the rice
• Use freshly chopped herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness

These small steps bring big returns in flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Beef and Rice

Avoiding these missteps ensures your one-pan dinner turns out great every time.

• Using too much broth: Stick to the recommended 2 ¼ cups; too much liquid makes the dish soggy
• Adding delicate vegetables too early: Zucchini and peas should be added with rice, not before
• Skipping the lid: Keeping the skillet covered during simmering is essential for evenly cooked rice
• Overcooking the beef: Brown just until no pink remains; overcooked beef can become dry and chewy
• Lifting the lid too soon: This releases steam needed to cook the rice fully

These tips ensure your skillet dinner turns out just right, every time. Similar rules apply to other rice-based recipes like lemon herb chicken and rice.

Conclusion

This ground beef and veggie rice one-pan recipe brings flavor, ease, and comfort together in one simple skillet. With tender rice, perfectly seasoned beef, and vibrant veggies, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

Plus, it’s quick, affordable, and packed with nutrition. Give it a try tonight, and if it becomes your new favorite, pin it and share it with other busy home cooks!

FAQs About Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan

What type of rice works best in a one-pan ground beef and veggie recipe?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are best because they cook evenly and stay fluffy. Avoid instant rice, which can become mushy.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this ground beef and rice one-pan?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work well and reduce prep time. Just stir them in directly without thawing.

How long does ground beef and veggie rice one-pan last in the fridge?

It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in airtight containers to preserve flavor and texture.

Can I make this beef and rice skillet ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it fully, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of broth or water for moisture.

Is this ground beef and rice one-pan gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free beef broth and seasonings. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.

Ground Beef and Veggie Rice One-Pan | Easy Cozy Weeknight Meal

Author: Angela Courses: Dinner

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