This rice with ground beef is one of those easy dinners you make when you want real comfort food without a lot of effort. Everything cooks together in one pan – tender rice, juicy ground beef, and simple vegetables soaking up all that savory flavor.
It’s hearty, filling, and the kind of meal that just feels good at the end of a long day. Minimal prep, almost no cleanup, and leftovers that taste even better the next day – this one’s a weeknight keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Rice with Ground Beef
- Everything cooks in one pan – less mess, less stress
- Made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have
- Hearty, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and great for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here. It stays fluffy, absorbs flavor beautifully, and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Ground beef: I like using beef with a little fat (15–20%) for the best flavor. Lean beef works too, but the dish will be slightly less rich.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion builds a flavorful base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
- Carrot: Grated carrot adds a touch of sweetness, color, and extra moisture to the rice.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here – chop it finely so the flavor spreads evenly.
- Water or broth: Hot liquid helps the rice cook evenly and soak up all those savory flavors.
- Bay leaves: They add a subtle background flavor while everything simmers.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano keep things simple but flavorful.
How to Make Rice with Ground Beef
This one-pan ground beef and rice comes together easily with just a few simple steps. Nothing fancy – just good ingredients cooked the right way.
Sauté the onion
Start by sautéing the onion in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Cook until it softens and turns lightly golden – this builds the flavor base for the whole dish.
Add the carrot
Add the grated carrot to the pan and cook for 6 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Brown the ground beef
Add the ground beef and cook it down, breaking it up as it browns. Let most of the moisture cook off so the beef stays flavorful instead of watery.
Season and add garlic
Season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Toast the rice
Stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast briefly. This small step helps the rice absorb more flavor and keeps the grains separate.
Add water (stock) and bay leaves
Pour in the water or stock and add the bay leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Simmer
Once the liquid and bay leaves are added, cover the pan and let everything simmer gently. Resist the urge to peek — the steam is what cooks the rice perfectly.
Rest and serve
After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes. Remove the bay leaves, fluff with a fork, and serve warm.
Tip: Lightly toasting the rice before adding water helps keep the grains separate and prevents the rice from turning mushy.
Rice with Ground Beef
This rice with ground beef is an easy one-pan dinner made with tender rice, juicy beef, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights.
4
servings5
minutes30
minutes580
kcal35
minutesIngredients
10.5 oz (300g) Rice
2 lb. (900g) Ground Beef
2 Onion
1 Carrot
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
4 Garlic Cloves
3¾ cups Water or Broth
2 Bay leaves
Directions
- Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add the grated carrot and cook for 6 minutes, stirring, until tender and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 12 minutes, breaking it apart, until fully browned and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the rinsed rice and cook for 4 minutes, stirring, to lightly toast the rice and coat it with flavor.
- Pour in the water or broth and add the bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves, fluff with a fork, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Rice with Ground Beef
- Rinse the rice: This removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
- Don’t skip toasting: A quick toast adds flavor and helps prevent mushy rice.
- Keep the lid on: Steam does the work — lifting the lid lets it escape.
- Let it rest: Those few extra minutes make a big difference in texture.
Storage & Reheating
How to store rice with ground beef
Let the rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
How to reheat
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a small splash of water to help restore moisture, then heat until warmed through.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, rice with ground beef freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavor without getting soggy. - Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well, just expect a lighter flavor. - Why toast the rice first?
It helps the rice hold its shape and soak up more flavor. - Want to add cheese?
A little crumbled feta or goat cheese on top is delicious. - Need extra freshness?
Finish with chopped parsley or mint for a pop of color and flavor.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you enjoy simple, comforting meals like this rice with ground beef, be sure to check out my other easy dinner recipes made with everyday ingredients.
