Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the workweek gets crazy and you need a delicious, satisfying dinner that doesn’t take forever to make, you need a one-pan wonder. This Weeknight Skillet Rice Meal is exactly that. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that comes together in a single pan in under 30 minutes. The rice cooks right in the skillet with savory ground meat, a mix of vegetables, and a rich, zesty tomato-based sauce. It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for a busy night and a total lifesaver when you’re short on time.
I first started making this meal when I was looking for a way to get dinner on the table fast without resorting to takeout. I wanted something that was hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This skillet meal checks all those boxes and more. The beauty of it is that it’s all cooked in one pan, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even on your most chaotic days.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this Weeknight Skillet Rice Meal is its sheer simplicity and versatility. The one-pan method is a game-changer, as all the flavors cook together, infusing every grain of rice with a deep, savory taste. The combination of ground beef (or your protein of choice), tender vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned tomato-based sauce is a classic for a reason. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for the whole family.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to use up whatever you have in your fridge. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and you can add any vegetables you like. It’s a forgiving recipe that you can easily customize to your family’s tastes. For another great one-pan dinner, my recipe for This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Protein: Ground beef is a classic choice, but ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work wonderfully.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well. You can use brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid.
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables make this dish incredibly easy, but you can also use fresh vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Herbs: You can swap the dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs, just be sure to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to dried.
- Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Directions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rinsed long-grain rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), frozen mixed vegetables, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully steam and become fluffy. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before adding it to the skillet helps to remove excess starch, which prevents the final dish from becoming too gummy.
- Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for this recipe. It traps the steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly and perfectly.
- Don’t Stir While Simmering: Once you cover the skillet and reduce the heat, resist the urge to stir. Stirring can prevent the rice from cooking properly.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the rice seems dry after 20 minutes, you can add a little more broth and continue to simmer for a few more minutes. If it’s too wet, just let it sit off the heat for an extra 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Weeknight Skillet Rice Meal is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad or a side of crusty bread for dipping would be perfect.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
This is a hearty, balanced meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover skillet rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating. You can warm it gently in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious one-pan meals, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a comforting and hearty dinner, my recipe for This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is always a hit. For a classic comfort food experience, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce. And for a great weeknight dinner shortcut, my This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
This Weeknight Skillet Rice Meal is a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s simple, flavorful, and a perfect solution for a busy evening. It’s a testament to the fact that a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’d love to know what your favorite quick and easy weeknight meals are! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Weeknight Skillet Rice Meal: A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the rice, mixed vegetables, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
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