Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a plate of ground beef and rice. Maybe it’s the nostalgia for a simple meal your parents or grandparents made countless times. Or perhaps it’s the practicality of it all: affordable, nutritious, and on your table in less than 30 minutes. Whatever draws you to it, a ground beef and rice recipe is the backbone of countless home kitchens around the world, from American family dinners to Latin American staples to Asian-inspired stir-fries.

The beauty of this humble combination? It’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a quick weeknight solution, ground beef and rice deliver every time. In this guide, you’ll discover not just one recipe, but the techniques, tips, and variations that will make you a master of this classic dish.

How to Make the Perfect Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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ground beef and rice recipe

A classic, budget-friendly ground beef and rice recipe that combines fluffy jasmine rice with seasoned ground beef, topped with fresh cilantro and lime. This versatile one-pot meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy families, meal prep, and feeding a crowd

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion, Latin American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients List:

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice or white/brown rice
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided: 1 tbsp for beef, 2 tbsp for aromatics and rice
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin optional, but recommended
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for depth
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish approximately ¼ cup, loosely packed
• 1 fresh lime cut into wedges

Optional Ingredient Additions:

• ½ cup frozen peas add in last 2 minutes of cooking
• ½ cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, or green
• 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
• 1 diced tomato fresh, added after cooking
• ½ cup diced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce for Asian-inspired variation
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder if not using fresh garlic
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• Shredded cheddar cheese for casserole variation

Method

 

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (Prep Time: 5 minutes)
2. Dice one medium yellow onion into small, uniform pieces (approximately ¼ inch). Mince 4 cloves of fresh garlic or use pre-minced garlic. Measure 2 cups of uncooked jasmine rice into a dry bowl and set aside. Measure 4 cups of beef broth into a measuring cup. Cut 1 fresh lime into wedges for garnish. Loosely pack ¼ cup fresh cilantro for garnish. Have salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika measured and within reach.
3. Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (Cooking Time: 7-8 minutes)
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably 12-inch or larger) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound of ground beef in a single layer and resist the urge to stir immediately. Let the meat sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust through the Maillard reaction—this creates depth of flavor. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the ground beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is fully browned, approximately 5-7 minutes total. Drain excess fat if there’s more than 2 tablespoons pooling in the pan (a little fat is desirable for flavor).
5. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics (Cooking Time: 3 minutes)
6. In the same skillet with the cooked beef, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to turn translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. The onions and garlic should be softened but not browned.
7. Step 4: Toast the Rice (Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes)
8. Add the 2 cups of uncooked jasmine rice directly to the skillet with the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This toasting step adds a subtle, pleasant nuttiness to the rice and helps prevent it from becoming mushy. You may hear slight crackling sounds—this is normal and desired.
9. Step 5: Season the Base (Preparation Time: 1 minute)
10. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika over the rice and beef mixture. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly, approximately 30 seconds. Taste a tiny bit of the rice mixture (it will be dry) to ensure seasoning balance.
11. Step 6: Add Broth and Bring to Boil (Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes)
12. Pour 4 cups of beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version) into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—these are flavor bombs. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, approximately 2-3 minutes. Watch for steam and visible bubbling across the entire surface.
13. Step 7: Simmer Until Rice is Tender (Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes)
14. Reduce heat to low and place a lid on the skillet (if you don’t have a lid, use aluminum foil). Simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Do not stir during this time—let the rice cook undisturbed for even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when you can see tiny steam holes in the rice and no liquid remains.
15. Step 8: Fluff and Rest (Preparation Time: 2 minutes)
16. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 1-2 minutes. This allows any remaining moisture to distribute evenly. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork, stirring to separate the grains and incorporate the ground beef throughout. The rice should be fluffy, the beef evenly distributed, and the consistency creamy but not wet.
17. Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning (Preparation Time: 1 minute)
18. Taste a spoonful of the finished dish. Add additional salt, pepper, or cumin to taste if needed. Remember you can always add more seasoning, but you cannot remove it.
19. Step 10: Garnish and Serve (Preparation Time: 2 minutes)
20. Transfer the ground beef and rice mixture to a serving bowl or individual bowls. Generously top with fresh cilantro or parsley (approximately 1-2 tablespoons per serving). Place lime wedges alongside each serving or on the side of the main dish. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before eating for brightness and acidity that balances the rich flavors.
21. Serving Suggestions:
22. Serve immediately while hot. Pairs well with warm crusty bread, additional lime wedges, fresh diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, or hot sauce. Alternatively, serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Selecting Your Ingredients for the Best Results

When it comes to ground beef and rice recipes, quality ingredients make all the difference. Start with ground beef that’s 80/20 or 85/15 (meaning 80-85% lean, 15-20% fat). This ratio gives you enough fat for flavour and browning without excess grease pooling in your pan. For rice, choose what suits your taste: jasmine rice offers a slightly floral, fluffy texture; basmati brings nutty undertones; brown rice provides earthier flavour and extra fibre; or short-grain white rice if you prefer a stickier consistency that holds sauces well.

The supporting cast matters: fresh garlic, onions, and whatever spices match your desired flavour profile. Quality broth (beef or chicken) will elevate your ground beef rice dish from good to extraordinary. Don’t skip this step; the difference between using water and quality broth is genuinely noticeable.

Mastering the Cooking Technique for Flavorful Results

The foundation of any great ground beef and rice recipe starts with properly browning your meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef in a single layer. Don’t stir immediately; let it sit for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. This Maillard reaction creates depth of flavour that simmering alone cannot achieve. Break the meat into smaller pieces and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total.

Next, sauté your aromatics (diced onions and minced garlic) in the same skillet for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This builds flavour layers. Toast your uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes in the pan. This technique, common in Spanish rice and pilaf-style cooking, adds a subtle nuttiness. Then add your liquid and bring to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering, covered, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. The result? Restaurant-quality ground beef and rice that tastes like you spent all day cooking.

Easy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe Variations to Suit Every Palate

Classic Skillet Ground Beef and Rice

This straightforward ground beef and rice recipe is your everyday go-to meal. After browning the beef and sautéing onions and garlic, add 2 cups of rice, 4 cups of beef broth, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings (cumin, paprika, or Italian herbs work beautifully). Simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked through. Top with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.

The beauty of this basic ground beef rice dish is its versatility. You can add frozen peas in the last few minutes, stir in diced tomatoes, or sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamier version. This flexibility makes it perfect for using up pantry ingredients or adjusting to what your family enjoys.

Ground Beef Fried Rice: Restaurant-Quality at Home

Fried rice is perhaps the most forgiving ground beef and rice recipe for beginners, yet it impresses every time. The secret? Use day-old cooked rice (freshly cooked rice is too moist and becomes mushy). Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat, add oil, and cook your ground beef until browned. Push it to the side, scramble a beaten egg, then combine everything with your cold rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, green onions, or bell peppers).

The high heat and constant motion keep everything from sticking while creating those slightly crispy, flavorful bits of rice that make fried rice so addictive. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for an authentic touch. This ground beef fried rice recipe transforms leftovers into something that tastes nothing like a leftover meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

When comfort food is what you crave, this ground beef and rice casserole recipe delivers. Brown your ground beef, sauté vegetables, then layer everything in a baking dish with uncooked rice, broth, and cream (or cream of mushroom soup for extra richness). Top generously with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, covered, then uncovered for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

This baked ground beef and rice dish is perfect for batch cooking. Make two casseroles serve one tonight and freeze one for a night when cooking feels overwhelming. It’s hearty, feeds a crowd, and requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy parents or anyone meal-prepping for the week.

Nutritional Benefits and Budget-Friendly Advantages

Why Ground Beef and Rice Make a Nutritionally Complete Meal

Ground beef provides high-quality protein (about 20-25 grams per 3-ounce serving), iron for energy and oxygen transport, B vitamins for metabolism, and zinc for immune function. Rice contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and B vitamins. Together, a ground beef and rice recipe offers a complete macronutrient profile that keeps you satisfied for hours.

The combination is particularly valuable for muscle recovery after exercise, making it a favourite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By adding vegetables, whether incorporated into the ground beef rice mixture or served as a side, you’re boosting fibre, vitamins, and minerals while keeping the meal balanced and health-conscious.

Stretching Your Budget Without Sacrificing Quality

Ground beef is one of the most economical protein sources available, especially when you buy in bulk and freeze it. A single pound of ground beef can yield 4-6 servings when combined with rice and vegetables. This ground beef and rice recipe approach means you’re feeding your family or yourself for less than $2 per person, a fraction of what takeout would cost.

Rice is equally budget-friendly, with brown rice and white rice costing pennies per serving. By mastering several ground beef and rice recipes, you create a flexible meal framework that adapts to what’s on sale at your grocery store. Buy ground beef on markdown? Make a double batch of ground beef fried rice for the freezer. Vegetables are wilting? Chop them up for a ground beef and rice skillet. This approach transforms budget consciousness into culinary creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

What’s the best way to store leftover ground beef and rice?

Store your cooled ground beef and rice recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Most ground beef rice dishes also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. This makes ground beef and rice recipes ideal for meal prep. Prepare a large batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week without repetitive cooking.

Can I make a healthier version of a ground beef and rice recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for lower fat content while keeping the protein high. Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice to increase fibre and nutrients. Add extra vegetables, diced zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, to bulk up your ground beef rice meal with more vitamins and minerals per serving. These substitutions maintain the satisfying essence of a ground beef and rice recipe while boosting nutritional value.

How can I make ground beef and rice more flavorful without adding salt?

Layer flavours by using quality broth instead of water as your cooking liquid in your ground beef and rice recipe. Toast your rice before adding liquid, brown your beef properly to develop flavours, and use fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger. Add umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or tomato paste. Fresh herbs at the end, parsley, cilantro, or basil, brighten the dish. These techniques mean you can create incredibly flavorful ground beef rice meals while keeping sodium in check.

Final Thoughts: Master This Essential Dish

A ground beef and rice recipe is more than just dinner; it’s a reliable friend in your kitchen toolkit. Whether you’re a budget-conscious parent, a busy professional, or someone simply looking for honest, delicious food, mastering these techniques gives you unlimited possibilities.

Start with the classic skillet version this week. Once you’re comfortable with the basic method, experiment with the variations. Try ground beef fried rice on Tuesday, a cheesy casserole on Friday. Notice how the same core ingredients transform based on technique, seasonings, and accompaniments. Before long, you’ll be creating your own ground beef and rice recipes from intuition rather than instruction.

The investment of time to learn this dish pays dividends every single time you cook. You’ll impress your family, save money, eat better, and genuinely enjoy the cooking process, not despite its simplicity, but because of it.

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Pick one ground beef and rice recipe from this guide and try it this week. Share your favourite variation in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you make this classic your own. And if you found this guide helpful, bookmark it for future reference or share it with someone who needs a reliable dinner solution.