10 Easy Ground Beef and Rice Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Looking for quick, delicious ground beef and rice recipes? You're in the right place! We've compiled 10 easy-to-follow recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, using simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and pro tips to ensure perfect results every time.

Classic Beef and Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
7. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white rice and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes. Always check internal temperature of beef reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety per USDA guidelines.

Mexican Taco Rice Bowl

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro

1. Cook rice with water according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to beef. Stir well.
4. Combine cooked rice, beef mixture, black beans, and corn. Heat through.
5. Serve with avocado, salsa, and cilantro.

Pro Tip: For perfect rice texture, use the absorption method: bring water to boil, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes without stirring.

Italian Beef Risotto

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups beef broth, heated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes until translucent.
4. Gradually add hot broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
5. When rice is creamy and tender (about 20 minutes), stir in basil, oregano, and Parmesan.

Pro Tip: Never rinse arborio rice before cooking - the starch is essential for creamy texture. The risotto should be al dente with a slight bite.

Korean Spiced Beef Rice Bowl

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger powder, and garlic. Stir until well combined and slightly caramelized.
3. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tip: For authentic flavor, use Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) instead of gochujang for spicier dishes. Always cook beef to 160°F internal temperature.

Southwest Beef and Rice Skillet

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1. Cook rice with broth according to package instructions.
2. In a separate skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
3. Add bell peppers, corn, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Combine cooked rice and beef mixture. Heat through.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of lime juice at the end. Always use a food thermometer to ensure beef reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Pro Tips for Keeping Spices Fresh

Proper spice storage ensures maximum flavor in every dish. Here's how to keep your spices potent:

• Air-tight containers: Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids to prevent oxidation and moisture exposure.
• Cool, dark place: Store away from heat sources (like stovetops) and direct sunlight to preserve flavor compounds.
• Label everything: Mark purchase dates so you know when to rotate stock (ground spices last 2-3 years, whole spices up to 4 years).
• Buy in small quantities: Unless you cook daily, avoid bulk purchases to prevent waste.

Spice Type	Lifespan	Storage Tip
Ground Cumin	2–3 years	Keep sealed and dry
Paprika	1–2 years	Avoid direct light
Chili Powder	1–2 years	Store in a cool pantry
Garlic Powder	2–3 years	Use glass jars
Curry Powder	1–2 years	Check for freshness often

Frequently Asked Questions

How much liquid do I need for cooking rice with ground beef?

The standard ratio is 2 parts liquid to 1 part rice for most long-grain rice. For example, 1 cup uncooked rice requires 2 cups broth or water. If adding tomato products or other liquid ingredients, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup to avoid watery dishes. Always follow USDA food safety guidelines for proper cooking temperatures.

Can I use frozen ground beef directly in these recipes?

Yes, but it's better to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen beef, add 3-5 extra minutes to initial browning time and drain excess water released during cooking. Always check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety per USDA guidelines.

How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy in one-pan recipes?

Use the absorption method with precise liquid-to-rice ratio, avoid stirring once liquid simmers, and remove from heat when rice is just tender. Let it rest covered for 5-10 minutes off heat before serving. Long-grain rice holds texture better than short-grain varieties for these recipes.

What's the best type of ground beef to use for these recipes?

80% lean/20% fat provides optimal flavor and texture for most recipes. For leaner options (90% lean), add 1 tsp olive oil during cooking to compensate for reduced fat. Always cook to 160°F internal temperature for food safety.

Can I make these ground beef and rice recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These dishes often taste better the next day as flavors meld. Cook as directed, cool completely within 2 hours, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Final Thoughts

From precise ingredient measurements to proper cooking techniques, your next batch of ground beef and rice can be restaurant-quality with minimal effort. Remember to always check meat temperatures with a food thermometer for safety, and use fresh spices for maximum flavor. With these simple recipes and pro tips, you'll have delicious, satisfying meals ready in under 30 minutes.

Happy cooking!