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Easy Budget Ground Beef and Rice Skillet for Dinner

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A comforting, one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef and long-grain white rice simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce. This budget-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup plain tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (optional, for adjusting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Push the beef to the side or remove it temporarily. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish absorbing liquid.
  8. Fluff the rice with a fork. If it looks dry, add a splash of water. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not use instant rice or brown rice as they require different cooking times and liquid ratios. Ensure the lid fits tightly to trap steam. If the beef is too greasy, drain the fat and wipe the pan before sautéing onions. The dish reheats well in the microwave with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice skillet, one pot meal, budget dinner, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, comfort food

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-budget-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet-for-dinner/