One-Pot Rice and Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Rice and Beef recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The beef is browned to perfection, and then combined with rice, vegetables, and spices to create a savory, one-pot meal that’s rich, filling, and full of comforting flavors. The best part? It all cooks together in one pot, saving you time and reducing cleanup. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into small cubes)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using stew beef)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)

• 2 cups beef broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor and moisture)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup frozen peas (or other veggies like corn or carrots)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef if you prefer) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If you’re using stew beef, cook until it’s browned on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the rice and seasonings: Stir in the rice, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to coat the rice.

4. Add the liquid: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir everything to combine, then bring it to a boil.

5. Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (for white rice) or 30-35 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If you’re using stew beef, the beef will also become tender during this time.

6. Add the vegetables: Once the rice is done, stir in the frozen peas (or any other vegetables you’re using), cover, and let them warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serve:

1. Enjoy: Serve the One-Pot Rice and Beef on its own or with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (depending on rice type)

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

1. Spicy One-Pot Rice and Beef: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish to give it a little heat. You can also stir in some hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.

2. Cheesy Rice and Beef: After the rice is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) for a creamy, cheesy version.

3. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground “beef” or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute for the meat, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to make it a vegetarian dish.

4. Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rice and beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to the rice and heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat it in the microwave, adding a little liquid to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

One-Pot Rice and Beef is a quick, delicious, and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The savory beef, flavorful rice, and tender vegetables come together in one pot for an easy and satisfying dish. With its flexibility and ability to be customized with different ingredients, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, One-Pot Rice and Beef is a comforting and flavorful choice!

One-Pot Rice and Beef

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One-Pot Rice and Beef is a savory, hearty dish that combines tender beef, seasoned rice, and vegetables in a single pot, making it the perfect easy and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. With the rich flavors of beef and spices infused into the rice, this one-pot meal is a delicious and convenient option that requires minimal cleanup. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to please the whole family with its tender beef and well-seasoned rice.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (depending on rice type)
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: undefined
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into small cubes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using stew beef)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor and moisture)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup frozen peas (or other veggies like corn or carrots)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef if you prefer) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If you’re using stew beef, cook until it’s browned on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the rice and seasonings: Stir in the rice, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to coat the rice.
4. Add the liquid: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir everything to combine, then bring it to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (for white rice) or 30-35 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If you’re using stew beef, the beef will also become tender during this time.
6. Add the vegetables: Once the rice is done, stir in the frozen peas (or any other vegetables you’re using), cover, and let them warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Spicy One-Pot Rice and Beef: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish to give it a little heat. You can also stir in some hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.Cheesy Rice and Beef: After the rice is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) for a creamy, cheesy version.Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground “beef” or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute for the meat, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to make it a vegetarian dish.Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg