Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Budget Dinner)

Chef Emma here, and I’m excited to share the recipe that has saved my grocery budget more times than I can count.

This ground beef and rice skillet is the definition of comfort food on a budget. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pan, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that feeds your whole family without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds us that delicious doesn’t have to be expensive.

I created this recipe during a particularly tight month when I needed to stretch every dollar. I had ground beef, rice, and some pantry staples, and I was determined to make something my family would actually be excited about.

Ground Beef & Rice Skillet (Budget Dinner)

This Ground Beef & Rice Skillet is a complete meal cooked in one pan with simple, affordable ingredients. Seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and vegetables come together in a savory sauce for a hearty dinner that costs just pennies per serving.

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Servings: 6

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice uncooked
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

• Large deep skillet with lid (12-inch)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• – Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 6-7 minutes, breaking apart, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook 1 minute.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with beef and seasonings. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
5. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir once.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover with tight-fitting lid, and simmer 18-20 minutes without lifting lid.
7. Quickly stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Cover and cook 3-5 more minutes until vegetables are heated and rice is tender.
8. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork, taste and adjust seasonings. If using cheese, sprinkle on top, cover 2 minutes to melt, and serve.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for best results. Don’t lift lid while rice cooks—steam is essential! Let rest 5 minutes after cooking. Add extra broth if rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes. Customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Stores well for 4 days in refrigerator. Freezes up to 3 months.

CALORIES:
420

PROTEIN:
28g

RECIPEYIELD:
6 servings

When I served this for the first time, my kids cleaned their plates without a single complaint. My husband went back for seconds. And I felt like a kitchen hero knowing the entire meal cost less than takeout for just one person.

What makes this easy ground beef recipe so brilliant is how versatile it is. You can adapt it based on what you have in your pantry, add whatever vegetables need to be used up, and adjust the seasonings to your family’s preferences. It’s forgiving, flexible, and always delicious.

This is one of those lazy dinners that doesn’t feel lazy at all. Everything cooks together in one skillet, the rice absorbs all those savory beef flavors, and you’re left with a complete meal that requires minimal effort and even less cleanup.

Whether you’re trying to stick to a budget, need a quick weeknight solution, or just want comfort food that doesn’t require a million ingredients, this ground beef and rice skillet delivers every time.

For more budget-friendly meal inspiration, check out Thrifty Frugal Mom’s collection of affordable family dinners, or explore Cook the Story’s guide to easy one-pan meals that save time and money.

Summary

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a complete meal cooked in one pan with simple, affordable ingredients.

Seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and vegetables come together in a savory sauce for a hearty dinner that costs just pennies per serving. This is one of the best recipes with ground beef for families on a budget.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Equipment

You’ll need just these basic kitchen tools:

• Large deep skillet with lid (12-inch works perfectly) – Essential for this one-pan meal
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up beef
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
• Can opener – For canned ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Budget Dinner)

Main Ingredients

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) – The protein base
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential savory depth
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked) – Basmati or jasmine work great
• 3 cups beef broth – Creates the cooking liquid
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce – Adds richness
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Peas, carrots, corn, green beans
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – Herb blend
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Extra garlic flavor
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances onion taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and mild flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – Plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Optional but delicious!

Optional Add-ins

• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Diced zucchini
• Spinach or kale
• Hot sauce for serving

Directions for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Budget Dinner)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the beef.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly with the spices. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it gets mixed with the beef and coated with the seasonings.

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, give it a good stir to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Simmer Covered

Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.

Don’t lift the lid during this time—the steam is essential for cooking the rice! The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender.

Step 7: Add Vegetables

After 18-20 minutes, quickly stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.

Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the rice is fully cooked.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover for 2 minutes to let it melt. Serve hot!

Tips and Variations for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips

• Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Avoid instant rice or brown rice as they require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid perfectly.
• Prevent sticking: Make sure to stir well before covering and check that nothing is stuck to the bottom. A good quality non-stick or well-seasoned skillet helps.
• Adjust liquid as needed: If your rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, add ¼ cup more broth and continue cooking for a few minutes.
• Make it saucier: For a more saucy consistency, add an extra ½ cup of broth.
• Budget stretcher: This recipe easily feeds 6-8 people and costs around $10-12 total, making it one of the most economical meals you can make.

Delicious Variations

• Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, add black beans and corn, top with cheddar cheese and serve with salsa
• Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce instead of tomato sauce, add ginger and sesame oil, stir in peas and carrots
• Italian Beef and Rice: Add Italian sausage along with beef, use fire-roasted tomatoes, top with mozzarella and Parmesan
• Tex-Mex Skillet: Add jalapeños, use Mexican cheese blend, add kidney beans, and serve with sour cream
• Mediterranean Style: Add chickpeas, use oregano and cumin, top with feta cheese
• Cheesy Beef and Rice: Double the cheese and stir half into the rice before adding the rest on top

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and rice skillet is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Fresh fruit salad
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream and hot sauce for topping
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice will absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a little liquid to prevent dryness.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 6 servings without optional cheese. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutritional Highlights

This budget-friendly dinner delivers impressive nutrition for the price!

With 28 grams of protein per serving, it provides sustained energy and helps keep you full for hours. The ground beef supplies essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins that growing families need.

The rice provides energizing carbohydrates, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. This is a balanced, complete meal that nourishes your family without emptying your wallet.

Dietitian Tips

• Boost vegetables: Double the frozen vegetables or add fresh bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients and fiber
• Make it leaner: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat and calories
• Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes, then season to taste at the end
• Add more fiber: Mix in a can of black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• Increase vitamins: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking
• Make it whole grain: Substitute brown rice (adjust cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add 1 cup more broth)

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.

Use 4 cups of broth instead of 3 cups, and increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes. Brown rice takes longer to cook but adds more fiber and nutrients.

Do I have to use beef broth?

Not at all! Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water works fine.

Beef broth adds the richest flavor, but any broth will create a delicious meal. Just adjust salt to taste since broths vary in sodium content.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Make it up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave.

What if I don’t have frozen mixed vegetables?

Use whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Fresh or frozen peas, corn, diced bell peppers, chopped carrots, or green beans all work wonderfully. You can even skip vegetables entirely if needed—the dish will still be delicious.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes.

They’re leaner than beef, so the dish will have less fat but still plenty of flavor. Season slightly more generously since poultry is milder than beef.

Why is my rice mushy or undercooked?

Rice cooking can be tricky! If it’s mushy, you used too much liquid or cooked it too long.

If undercooked, add ¼ cup more broth and cook for a few more minutes. Make sure to use long-grain white rice, not instant or brown rice, for the timing in this recipe.

Conclusion for Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet proves that budget-friendly meals can be absolutely delicious.

For less than the cost of one fast-food meal, you can feed your entire family a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s made with love and simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about what you’re serving—nutritious, filling, and genuinely enjoyable.

What I love most about this recipe is how it takes me back to the basics of home cooking. There’s nothing fancy or complicated here—just good, honest food that brings family to the table.

The fact that it all cooks in one pan and creates minimal dishes is just the cherry on top of an already perfect weeknight dinner.

This easy ground beef recipe has become my secret weapon for those weeks when the budget is tight but I still want to serve something my family gets excited about. It’s proven that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to create memorable meals.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Swap in whatever vegetables you have, adjust the seasonings to your taste, or add your favorite cheese on top. This skillet is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creativity.

So grab that pound of ground beef, dig out your rice, and get ready for the easiest, most budget-friendly dinner you’ll make all week. Your wallet and your family will thank you!

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