Go Back

Ground Beef and Rice Recipes

Six versatile and delicious ground beef and rice recipes that prove weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or boring, from comforting casseroles to spicy stir-fries.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Classic Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20 recommended for best flavor
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice can substitute with brown rice
  • 2.5 cups beef broth homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped (red or green)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Mexican-Inspired Beef and Rice Skillet Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade blend
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Asian-Inspired Beef Fried Rice Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cups cooked and chilled rice day-old rice works best
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce optional
  • to taste Sriracha or chili oil
Mediterranean Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 6 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded any color
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bowl Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1.5 cups white rice
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced cremini or button
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup half and half or heavy cream for extra richness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spicy Cajun Beef and Rice Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Sliced green onions for garnish

Method
 

Recipe 1: Classic Beef and Rice Casserole
  1. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Brown ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  4. Add diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic, then sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice, coating each grain in the pan's fats and flavors to prevent clumping.
  6. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Top with shredded cheese, then place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Serve hot from the skillet.
Recipe 2: Mexican-Inspired Beef and Rice Skillet
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and half the taco seasoning, cooking for 5–7 minutes until browned and crumbly.
  3. Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, and the remaining taco seasoning.
  5. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
  6. Once done, top with shredded cheese. Cover briefly to melt, then garnish with toppings.
Recipe 3: Asian-Inspired Beef Fried Rice
  1. Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat, then scramble beaten eggs and remove to a plate.
  2. Add remaining vegetable oil to the wok. Brown ground beef with garlic and ginger for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add cold cooked rice, mixing in peas and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, return scrambled eggs, and toss everything together.
Recipe 4: Mediterranean Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare bell peppers in baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in rice, tomatoes, and seasonings; simmer for about 15 minutes.
  4. Stuff peppers with mixture and bake for 35 minutes. Add feta and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
Recipe 5: Creamy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bowl
  1. Cook rice separately. Melt butter with olive oil. Sauté onions, then add mushrooms.
  2. Add browned ground beef, garlic, and thyme; deglaze with broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Stir in half and half and simmer until the sauce thickens, then add rice and mix well.
Recipe 6: Spicy Cajun Beef and Rice
  1. Heat olive oil, sauté bell pepper, onion, and celery for 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning briefly before adding uncooked rice, tomatoes, and broth.
  3. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender. Fluff and garnish before serving.

Notes

Consider using these recipes with various substitutions according to your dietary needs. Most dishes can be modified to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian or lower-carb preferences.