Baked Ground Beef And Rice Skillet

Name: Baked Ground Beef And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Soulful Flavors

I love whipping up quick and delicious meals that the whole family can enjoy, and this Baked Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one of my favorites. It’s a one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef with fluffy rice and a medley of veggies, all baked together for maximum flavor. The best part? It's ready in just under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on taste. Trust me, this hearty meal will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:45:36.224Z

I remember the first time I made this Baked Ground Beef and Rice Skillet; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to dig in. It’s an easy dish that combines staple ingredients beautifully, and I love that it cooks all in one skillet, reducing cleanup time. The layering of flavors really elevates the dish, turning simple beef and rice into a comforting meal everyone loves.

One tip I found helpful is to brown the ground beef until it's nicely caramelized before adding the rice and other ingredients. This adds depth to the overall flavor. Additionally, using a mix of fresh and frozen veggies means I can whip this up anytime, even when I’m short on fresh produce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights
Simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor
One-pan cooking means less cleanup, more time to enjoy

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of long-grain rice and beef broth creates a wonderfully fluffy and flavorful base for the dish. The rice absorbs the savory broth and the juices from the ground beef, resulting in a comforting texture that pairs perfectly with the hearty meat. If you prefer a firmer rice texture, consider using jasmine rice instead, which holds its shape well. Additionally, the diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.

Using mixed vegetables not only boosts the nutrition of this dish but also brings vibrant colors and textures to the skillet. My go-to combination usually includes peas, carrots, and corn, but feel free to customize based on what you have on hand. Broccoli or bell peppers can be great substitutes. The key is to keep the veggies relatively small to ensure they cook evenly and meld seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Perfecting Your Cooking Technique

Browning the ground beef properly is crucial for developing deep flavors in the dish. Sauté the beef over medium heat, allowing it to get a good sear without overcrowding the pan. This prevents steaming and promotes caramelization, resulting in enhanced flavor. If you find the beef is sticking or clumping, use a wooden spatula to break it apart and ensure even cooking.

When combining the ingredients, it's important to stir well to prevent any clumps of rice from forming. Once you add the beef broth and diced tomatoes, make sure the mixture reaches a boil; this step is essential as it activates the cooking process before transferring it to the oven. Covering the skillet tightly will help trap steam and heat, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Combine these ingredients in your skillet and enjoy!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.

Mix in Rice and Liquids

Add the rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Bake the Skillet

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty skillet meal!

Don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the dish by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preference. This recipe is very forgiving and great for using up leftovers in your fridge.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This baked skillet dish does well as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just add an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, as you’ll be starting with a cold skillet.

If you want to store leftovers, cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, or warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For an added twist, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top for brightness and creaminess.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider serving the baked dish with a side of hot sauce or pepper flakes. This can elevate the flavor profile, making it even more enjoyable. And if you have leftovers, this dish can easily be transformed into a filling for tacos or wraps the next day, providing a whole new dining experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and liquid by about 10-15 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute would work well in this recipe.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunches or reheating.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked skillet for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.