How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Beef and Rice Skillet
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient beef and rice skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes using ground beef, rice, and beef broth. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, absorbing all the savory flavors for a comforting, filling meal.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Beef and Rice Skillet recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 440 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Season with salt and drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the browned beef and stir to combine. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Cooked
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until all the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of this dish
- beef broth → chicken broth or vegetable broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining the excess fat from the beef which makes the rice greasy and heavy
- Lifting the lid during the simmering step which releases steam and results in undercooked, uneven rice
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 440 calories, 28g protein, 42g carbs, 16g fat, 1g fiber.
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