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 white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Family Favorites

I love making this Baked Ground Beef and Rice Skillet for a cozy family dinner. It's a comforting dish that combines hearty flavors and is incredibly easy to prepare. The rich combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese brings everything together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress, not just for its flavor, but for its simplicity. We can’t get enough of it!

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:33:35.830Z

When I first made this Baked Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, I was surprised at how quickly everything came together. I used a mix of spices that not only enhanced the flavor but also elevated the entire dish. One tip I found helpful was to let the skillet bake for a few extra minutes with the cheese on top to get that perfect melted layer.

Since then, I’ve experimented with adding different vegetables, such as bell peppers and corn, which add not only flavor but also additional nutritional value. I've found this dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a staple in our home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and fulfilling, perfect for any appetite
Single-skillet dish means less cleanup
Versatile recipe that allows for endless variations

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in this Baked Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is undeniably the ground beef, which provides a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. Using lean ground beef ensures that you won't get an oily texture, while still allowing the beefy essence to shine. If you prefer a healthier option, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken, which will still work beautifully with the spices and other flavors in the skillet.

The long-grain white rice absorbs the beef broth and seasonings, making it fluffy and flavorful. It's essential to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch; this prevents it from becoming gummy. If you desire a nutty flavor and additional nutrients, consider substituting with brown rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Browning the ground beef is a crucial step, not just for cooking it through, but for developing rich, complex flavors due to the Maillard reaction. Make sure to break the meat apart with a wooden spoon while it cooks, giving it a uniform color and texture. You want it to turn a deep brown, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. If you notice any sticking, a little splash of beef broth can help deglaze the pan and incorporate those tasty browned bits back into the mixture.

Simmering the skillet with a lid allows the rice to steam properly, absorbing all the flavors from the broth and seasonings. If you don’t have a lid, aluminum foil works just as well to trap moisture. After 20 minutes of low-heat cooking, check the rice for doneness—it should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If there's still broth left, cover and simmer for a few more minutes until it's cooked perfectly.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Mix In Rice and Seasonings

Stir in the rice, beef broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Bake the Skillet

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked.

Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the lid, sprinkle cheese on top, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating diced tomatoes or jalapeños into the mix. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter option.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is excellent for meal prep; you can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to moisten the rice.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the cooked skillet. To do this, let the dish cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This allows the flavors to blend and makes it convenient for busy nights.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables; bell peppers, peas, or corn can all be added to the skillet after the aromatics have softened. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile of your meal. You could even use a mix of different cheeses on top like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.

For serving ideas, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the beef and rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.