Cooking at home should feel easy, a little messy, and totally rewarding. That’s exactly why I love this one pan ground beef with veggie rice recipe. It hits the sweet spot between healthy comfort food and a no-fuss weeknight dinner. When you’ve got ground beef waiting in the fridge, and you’re tired of the same old tacos, this skillet comes to the rescue. I’ve made this plenty of times on nights when the kitchen feels like the last place I want to be, and somehow, it never lets me down. The rice soaks up all that beefy flavor, the veggies bring a pop of freshness, and the whole thing comes together without a sink full of dirty dishes. And yes, you’ll catch me eating it straight from the skillet when nobody’s looking. This recipe also sneaks in a little balance. It feels hearty without being heavy, quick without being boring, and simple without skimping on flavor. If you’ve been on the hunt for ground beef healthy recipes that don’t feel like punishment, this one’s going to be a keeper. Plus, it doubles as the perfect solution when someone asks, ‘What’s for dinner?’ and you don’t have the energy to launch into a twenty-step production.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice
4) How to Make One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice
5) Tips for Making One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice
6) Making One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This skillet brings together ground beef, rice, and vegetables in one pan for a balanced meal.
It saves time, cuts cleanup, and still tastes hearty and filling.
You can adjust the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
It makes a solid option when you want ground beef healthy recipes that still feel comforting.

2) Easy One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice Recipe

I’ve had my fair share of nights where the thought of juggling three pots and a baking sheet made me want to just call it quits. That’s when a one pan dish like this ground beef and veggie rice skillet really shines. You only need one pan, which means fewer dishes later, and honestly, that’s reason enough for me to keep this recipe on repeat. Twice in this very paragraph, I’m weaving in ground beef healthy recipes just to remind myself that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

The real joy here is how flexible it is. You’ve got rice, beef, and whatever vegetables you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. If I’m out of zucchini, I’ll throw in peas. No bell pepper? Broccoli works fine. It’s forgiving, filling, and one of those gluten free ground beef recipes that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.

And let me tell you, when the rice soaks up all the flavor from the broth and beef, you’ll understand why I always come back to this dish. It’s hearty, sure, but it doesn’t weigh you down. Comforting without the post-dinner regret. That’s my kind of dinner win.

3) Ingredients for One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice

Ground Beef: I stick with lean ground beef to keep things lighter, though you can use what you prefer. It cooks quickly and gives the dish its heartiness.

Rice: Both white and brown rice work. White rice gives you a softer, quicker cook, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more chew.

Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons help everything cook evenly and give the veggies a subtle richness.

Onion: Chopped onion brings that base flavor that makes the whole dish taste deeper and more rounded.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a bold, fragrant note. I usually add a little extra, because garlic never hurt anyone.

Bell Pepper: Diced bell pepper adds color and sweetness that balance the beef nicely.

Zucchini: This veggie softens while it cooks and adds bulk without feeling heavy.

Carrots: I love how diced carrots hold their texture and add a touch of natural sweetness.

Broth: Beef or chicken broth makes the rice tender and loads it with flavor. It’s what ties everything together.

Spices: Paprika and oregano, plus salt and pepper. Nothing fancy, just enough to lift the flavor.

Parsley: Fresh parsley at the end adds color and freshness. A sprinkle goes a long way.

4) How to Make One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks until it’s browned and no longer pink.

Step 2. Stir in onion and garlic. Let them cook until they soften and fill your kitchen with that classic, savory smell.

Step 3. Toss in the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Stir them around and let them soften for a few minutes.

Step 4. Pour in the uncooked rice. Give it a good stir so the grains soak up the beef and veggie flavors.

Step 5. Add broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then cover the skillet.

Step 6. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the broth absorbed.

Step 7. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with parsley. Serve warm and enjoy straight from the skillet if you like less cleanup.

5) Tips for Making One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice

Use a skillet that’s wide enough to hold everything comfortably. Crowding the pan makes the rice cook unevenly. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.

Check your rice halfway through. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth. If it looks too wet, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered. Recipes like these rice and ground beef recipes are flexible, so don’t stress too much about it.

If you want extra flavor, sprinkle in some cheese at the end. A handful of cheddar or parmesan melts right into the rice and gives it a cozy, creamy twist.

6) Making One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice Ahead of Time

This dish reheats well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Cook the skillet as written, let it cool, and then pack it into containers. It’s one of those ground beef rice recipes that holds up in the fridge for a few days without losing flavor.

When you reheat, add a splash of broth or water so the rice doesn’t feel too dry. Microwave works, but I sometimes reheat it in the skillet for a fresher taste.

If you like to plan ahead, you can chop the vegetables a day before. That way, when dinnertime rolls around, all you’ve got to do is toss everything into the pan and let it cook.

7) Storing Leftover One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice

Leftovers go into airtight containers and last about three days in the fridge. That makes this dish one of my favorite ground beef recipes for dinner when I want something that doubles as lunch the next day.

If you plan to freeze, spread it into freezer-safe containers once cooled. It keeps well for about two months. Just thaw in the fridge and warm it up with a little broth when ready.

And let’s be honest, sometimes leftovers taste even better. The flavors blend more after sitting, and the rice gets that savory, cozy bite you’ll want again.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) One Pan Ground Beef with Veggie Rice