Save A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This dish became a go-to in our home during busy weeknights, simplifying meal time with its minimal prep and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp (optional garnish)
- Shredded cheese: ½ cup (50 g) (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and frozen veggies:
- Add rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Add broth and simmer:
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook covered:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Fluff rice with a fork. Top with herbs and cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Save Our kids love scooping big spoonfuls and adding their favorite toppings, making this a fun and interactive dinner together.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, cutting board, chef's knife, wooden spoon or spatula, and measuring cups and spoons make this recipe quick to assemble.
Allergen Information
No major allergens as written. Dairy may be included if cheese is added. Always check labels for hidden allergens especially in broth.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, without cheese: 390 calories, 11 g total fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein.
Save This skillet meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and just as tasty for lunch leftovers the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works equally well and offers a lighter protein option while keeping the dish flavorful.
- → What vegetables work best in this skillet?
Onions, bell peppers, corn, and peas create a colorful mix, but zucchini, carrots, or green beans can also be added or swapped in.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans or tofu to maintain protein and texture for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?
Use the correct broth amount, keep heat low during simmering, and cover the skillet tightly to allow even cooking and moisture retention.
- → Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely, this skillet holds well refrigerated and reheats easily, making it great for leftovers or batch cooking.