Ground Beef Recipes With Rice

Name: Ground Beef Recipes With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love experimenting with ground beef and rice because they come together so effortlessly to create comforting meals. Whether it’s a savory stir-fry, a hearty casserole, or stuffed peppers, the versatility of these two ingredients inspires countless delicious dishes. I often cook them when I want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With rice in the mix, the ground beef absorbs all those fantastic flavors, making every bite a delight. You'll soon see how easy it is to whip up these recipes on a busy weeknight.

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:55:16.667Z

When I first combined ground beef with rice, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The richness of the beef pairs beautifully with the fluffy texture of rice, creating a dish that's both filling and flavorful. I often add in fresh herbs and spices to really elevate the taste. The key to a great dish is to season the beef well before mixing it with the rice, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Another trick I've learned is to let the mixture sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together perfectly and enhances the overall taste. Don't forget to serve it with your favorite sauce or fresh toppings to add that extra zing. I promise you'll want to make this time and again!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The comforting blend of savory ground beef and fluffy rice
Endless possibilities for customization with herbs and spices
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

      

Choosing the Right Rice

When creating this dish, the type of rice you use can significantly affect the final texture and flavor. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, provides a fluffy end result, preventing clumping. On the other hand, medium or short-grain rice tends to be more sticky, which might work well if you prefer a heartier texture. Whichever you choose, be sure to adjust the liquid amounts based on the package instructions since different rice varieties absorb liquid differently.

If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the rice, consider toasting it in the skillet with a small amount of the olive oil before adding the broth. This technique enhances the nutty flavor of the rice, adding depth to your meal. Additionally, you can substitute half the broth with a can of diced tomatoes for a flavorful twist, which will also add acidity to balance the richness of the beef.

Layering Flavors

The base flavors of onion and garlic are foundational in this recipe, providing a fantastic aromatic backdrop. To elevate the dish further, consider adding herbs such as oregano, thyme, or even a bay leaf during the simmering step. These herbs infuse their essence into the beef and rice, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic meal. For a spicy kick, adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor profile, making every bite exciting.

For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness to balance the savory elements, including a tablespoon of brown sugar when you stir in the sauce ingredients adds a pleasant depth. It complements the umami-rich components of the soy and Worcestershire sauces and rounds out the dish beautifully. This is particularly helpful if using grass-fed beef, which can have a leaner profile and benefit from extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty ground beef and rice dish can be a satisfying meal on its own, but there’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to serving. For a complete meal, you might serve it alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale can add a nutritious element to your plate, complementing the flavors while increasing the dish's visual appeal.

If you're looking to transform leftovers into another meal, consider using the mixture as a filling for tacos or burritos. Just spoon the beef and rice mixture into tortillas, add your favorite toppings such as cheese, avocado, or salsa, and you have a quick and delicious next-day meal. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy this recipe several ways throughout the week.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Feel free to add any additional vegetables or spices to tailor this dish to your taste!

Instructions

Directions

Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Add Rice and Broth

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the rice, beef broth, bell pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally.

Serve

Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs.

Enjoy your delicious ground beef and rice dish topped with your favorite garnishes!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating spices like paprika or cumin. You can also experiment by adding different types of vegetables such as carrots or peas for more nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this ground beef and rice recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the beef-rice mixture up to a day in advance. Simply cool it to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it slowly on the stovetop on low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

If you find yourself with leftovers after your meal, this dish stores well. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days or be frozen for up to three months. When freezing, portion it into meal-sized containers for convenience. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Dietary Considerations

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which provides a similar umami flavor without the gluten. Additionally, for those watching their carb intake, using cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative that still fits well into the cooking process. It requires less liquid and a shorter cooking time; just sauté it for a couple of minutes before mixing it in.

Vegetarians can enjoy a similar flavor profile by replacing ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative combined with cooked lentils. This addition boosts protein and fiber content. Ensure to follow the same cooking guidelines, making adjustments based on the texture and cooking times specified for the substitute ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, diced avocados, or even some shredded cheese work well as toppings.

→ Can I add other proteins to this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.