Ground Beef and Rice: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Ground Beef and Rice Recipe Introduction

Let me paint you a picture: it’s 6:30 PM, you’re hungry, the family’s asking what’s for dinner, and you don’t feel like juggling three pots, two pans, and a sink full of dishes. Enter Ground Beef and Rice—a quick, savory, slightly sweet, and just-the-right-amount-of-spicy meal you can pull off in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is one of those weeknight saviors. It’s got that “takeout-style flavor” but made in one pan with pantry staples. Think of it as the cousin of fried rice, stir-fry beef bowls, or even beef lo mein—except simpler and friendlier to your schedule.

Ground Beef and Rice Summary (Key Highlights)

• Quick and Easy – Ready in about half an hour, perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Flavorful – Balanced sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
• Family-Friendly – Adjust the spice and it pleases everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice

Here’s your lineup. Don’t worry, nothing fancy—just flavor-packed basics:

• Lean Ground Beef – 85/15 works; not too fatty, not too dry.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
• Smoked Paprika – A little smoky kick.
• Garlic – Freshly minced, not the jarred stuff.
• Salt and Pepper – Basics, but essential.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Deep umami.
• Honey – Balances the heat.
• Soy Sauce – Salty backbone of the sauce.
• Hot Sauce – A touch of fire; adjust as needed.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to coat the rice and beef.
• Cooked Rice – Day-old is best (firmer, less sticky).
• Green Onions – Fresh, sharp garnish.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Nutty crunch to finish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook Beef and Onions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high.
• Add beef, break it up with a spoon.
• Toss in diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.
• Pro move: drain excess fat so your dish doesn’t get greasy.

2. Add Seasonings

• Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Let the garlic bloom—fragrant, not burnt.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• In a bowl: whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, hot sauce, and cornstarch with a splash of water.
• Pour into the skillet, let it bubble and thicken.

4. Combine Everything

• Add cooked rice. Toss until coated and heated through.
• Taste, adjust seasoning. A splash more soy or hot sauce if needed.

5. Assemble the Bowls

• Scoop into bowls.
• Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Done—simple but seriously satisfying.

Tips & Tricks for Ground Beef and Rice

• Drain excess fat – Keeps flavors sharp, not greasy.
• Adjust spice level – More hot sauce for heat-lovers, none for kids.
• Use fresh garlic – Jarred just doesn’t hit the same.

Ground Beef and Rice Variations

• Swap proteins – Try ground chicken, pork, or even turkey.
• Add veggies – Peas, bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
• Change grains – Use quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• Sweeten with pineapple – A tropical twist.
• Add herbs – Cilantro, basil, or parsley for freshness.

Ground Beef and Rice Substitutions

• Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Sodium – Go for low-sodium soy sauce.
• Vegetarian – Swap beef for crumbled tofu or lentils.
• Honey substitute – Maple syrup or agave works.

Make Ahead and Storage for Ground Beef and Rice

• Make ahead – Prep sauce and chop veggies in advance.
• Refrigeration – Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating – Skillet over medium heat, splash of water to loosen.

Related Recipes with Ground Beef

If you loved this Ground Beef and Rice, you might also enjoy:

• Cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef – creamy pasta comfort.
• Ground beef sweet potato skillet – quick, hearty one-pan dinner.
• Ground beef and noodles recipe – classic, carb-loaded favorite.
• Ground beef zucchini sweet potato skillet – flavorful and veggie-packed.
• High protein beef pasta – nutritious and filling.
• Best ground beef chili recipe – cozy comfort with a spicy kick.

Benefits of Ground Beef and Rice

FAQ About Ground Beef and Rice

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Rice is one of those recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket—fast, flexible, and seriously delicious. It’s a weeknight workhorse that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Now it’s your turn—grab that skillet, brown that beef, and build yourself a bowl that’s equal parts hearty and comforting. This isn’t just dinner; it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.

Make it once, and you’ll know: this is the beef and rice you want to eat.

If you enjoyed this recipe, invite visite my page Pinterest for more weeknight dinners, cooking tips, and inspiration.

Ground Beef and Rice: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Print Recipe

A quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner—Ground Beef and Rice is savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. Made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly meal you’ll make again and again.

• Author: Emilio
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 4 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in diced onion and cook until beef is browned and onions are softened.
4. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Add garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
6. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, hot sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of water.
7. Pour sauce into the skillet and cook until it bubbles and thickens.
8. Add cooked rice and toss until evenly coated and heated through.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or hot sauce if desired.
10. Serve in bowls topped with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Drain excess fat to keep flavors sharp. Adjust spice level to your liking. Fresh garlic works best for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground beef and rice, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal