6 Easy Dinners With Ground Beef and Rice
Ground beef and a bag of rice are two of the most dependable things in any kitchen. These six dinners use pantry basics, and most are ready in about 30 minutes, especially if you have leftover rice.
1. Ground beef burrito bowls
Time: 25 min · Also need: canned black beans, salsa, cheese, taco seasoning
All the flavor of a burrito with none of the rolling. Everyone tops their own.
Cook 1 cup rice. Stir in a squeeze of lime and a little salt if you have it.
Brown 1 lb ground beef until no pink remains, then stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer 3 minutes.
Warm a drained can of black beans. Build bowls with rice, beef, beans, salsa and cheese.
Add corn, avocado or sour cream if you have them.
2. Korean-style beef and rice
Time: 20 min · Also need: soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, green onion
Sweet, savory and done in the time it takes rice to cook. A family favorite for a reason.
Cook 1 cup rice.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 3 minced garlic cloves. Drain the fat.
Stir in ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp ground ginger and a splash of water. Simmer 2 minutes and serve over rice with sliced green onion.
A drizzle of sesame oil at the end makes it taste like takeout.
3. Stuffed pepper skillet
Time: 35 min · Also need: 2 bell peppers, onion, a can of diced tomatoes, cheese
Everything in a stuffed pepper, cooked in one pan with no stuffing required.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion and 2 diced bell peppers.
Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 1½ cups broth or water, salt, pepper and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Cover and simmer on low 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Top with cheese and cover until melted.
Use long-grain white rice. Brown rice needs about twice as long.
4. Beef and broccoli rice bowls
Time: 25 min · Also need: broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch
A takeout classic made with ground beef, which cooks faster and costs less than steak.
Cook 1 cup rice. Steam or microwave 3 cups broccoli florets until bright green.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 2 minced garlic cloves and drain.
Whisk ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch and ⅓ cup water. Add to the beef with the broccoli and stir until glossy. Serve over rice.
Frozen broccoli works fine. Add it straight to the pan and give it 2 extra minutes.
5. Beef fried rice
Time: 20 min · Also need: 2 eggs, frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce
The best use for leftover rice. Cold rice from yesterday fries up better than fresh.
Brown ½ lb ground beef in a large skillet and push it to the side.
Scramble 2 eggs in the empty side, then add 1 cup frozen peas and carrots.
Add 3 cups cooked, cold rice and 2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce. Stir-fry over high heat 4 to 5 minutes until hot and a little crispy.
Only have fresh rice? Spread it on a plate for 10 minutes so it dries out a bit first.
6. Cheesy beef and rice casserole
Time: 40 min · Also need: a can of diced tomatoes, cheese, onion, chili powder
A comforting one-dish dinner that reheats beautifully for lunches.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion. Season with salt, pepper and 1 tsp chili powder.
Stir in 3 cups cooked rice and 1 can diced tomatoes. Spread in a baking dish.
Top with 1½ cups shredded cheese and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly.
A can of corn or black beans stirred in stretches it to feed 6.
Quick answers
How much rice should I cook for 4 people?
One cup of uncooked white rice makes about 3 cups cooked, which is plenty for four as a side or base for bowls.
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
The USDA recommends 160°F (71°C). Without a thermometer, cook it until no pink remains.
How long does cooked rice keep?
Cool it within an hour and refrigerate. It keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
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