Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (Prep Time: 5 minutes)

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.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (Cooking Time: 7-8 minutes)

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).

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics (Cooking Time: 3 minutes)

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.

Step 4: Toast the Rice (Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes)

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.

Step 5: Season the Base (Preparation Time: 1 minute)

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.

Step 6: Add Broth and Bring to Boil (Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes)

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.

Step 7: Simmer Until Rice is Tender (Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes)

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.

Step 8: Fluff and Rest (Preparation Time: 2 minutes)

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.

Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning (Preparation Time: 1 minute)

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.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve (Preparation Time: 2 minutes)

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.

Serving Suggestions:

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.