Ground Beef And Herb Rice Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Herb Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple & Speedy

I love cooking up a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table, and this Ground Beef and Herb Rice Skillet is a family favorite in my house. It’s a one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef with vibrant herbs and perfectly cooked rice, making it both delicious and practical for weeknight dinners. The blend of seasonings and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal, this skillet has everything you need for a comforting dinner experience.

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-02-16T01:29:36.040Z

When I first made this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The combination of beef and herbs creates a delectable aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in. I recommend using fresh herbs if you can, as they elevate the dish with a vibrancy that dried herbs just can’t match.

One of my favorite tips is to let the rice sit covered for a few minutes after cooking; this helps ensure it absorbs all the savory juices from the beef, resulting in an incredibly flavorful dish that everyone will rave about. This skillet dinner is now a staple in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners
One-pan meal for easy cleanup
Savory blend of herbs elevates the flavor profile

The Importance of Flavor Development

Developing flavor is crucial in this Ground Beef and Herb Rice Skillet. When sautéing the onions, aim for them to become translucent and slightly golden, which enhances their sweetness. The addition of garlic should be timed carefully; cook it just until fragrant to prevent bitterness. This layering of flavors builds a rich base that complements the savory ground beef, making each bite satisfying.

Don't be afraid to taste as you cook! After adding the herbs and seasonings, sampling the mixture can guide your adjustments, whether you find it needs a pinch more salt or an extra dash of thyme. Cooking is about balancing flavors, and this dish benefits from your personal touch.

Choosing the Right Rice

The type of rice you use can significantly impact this dish's outcome. Long-grain rice is ideal because it remains fluffy and separate during cooking, absorbing the beef broth without becoming mushy. If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider substituting with brown rice. Just note that brown rice will require more cooking time and an extra half cup of broth to achieve the desired texture.

In case you have leftover cooked rice, you can add it at the end, incorporating it into the skillet once the broth is absorbed. This method reduces cooking time and ensures you still enjoy the rich flavors while managing leftover ingredients efficiently.

Serving and Storing Your Skillet Meal

After you've garnished your Ground Beef and Herb Rice Skillet with fresh parsley, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for balance. The freshness of a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice complements the rich flavors of the skillet. Additionally, if you're feeding a larger group, consider pairing it with crusty bread to soak up any delicious remaining juices in the pan.

When it comes to storage, this skillet meal can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to retain moisture. For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

Add Seasonings and Rice

Once the beef is browned, stir in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the rice and mix well, ensuring it is coated with the seasonings. Cook for another minute.

Combine with Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this skillet with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or peas. Also, using lean ground beef can make the dish healthier without sacrificing taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken is a leaner alternative that will work perfectly in this recipe. They bring a slightly different flavor profile, so consider increasing the herbs slightly to maintain the dish's robustness. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

For those sensitive to gluten, ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free or consider making your own broth. You can enhance its flavor by simmering vegetables like carrots and celery with water for about an hour, resulting in a rich base that pairs well with the rice and beef.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your rice isn't cooking evenly or is still firm after the suggested simmer time, check that the heat is low enough to maintain a gentle simmer but high enough that it doesn't stall. Often, covering the skillet too tightly can retain too much steam, so ensure there's a small gap to allow for steam escape.

Another common issue is ending up with more liquid than desired. If that happens, simply uncover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until some of the liquid evaporates. This stirred mixture should become fluffy and absorb the flavors more effectively.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

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

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure that the beef broth is gluten-free and consider using a different type of rice.

→ What type of herbs can I use?

You can experiment with herbs like basil, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.