If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly in one pan, this Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner. It perfectly balances savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, tender rice, and bursts of sun-dried tomatoes with melty Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying and comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet delivers big on taste without any complicated steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe shines because of its simple, quality ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element contributes something special, from the sweetness of bell peppers to the aromatic herbs and cheese that bring everything to life.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For starting the sauté and adding a rich, fruity base flavor.
- 1 onion, diced fine: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Adds a vibrant pop of color and subtle crunchy sweetness.
- ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Provides an intense, tangy burst that elevates the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated: Aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this skillet filling and comforting.
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well: The tender starch that soaks up all those rich juices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, earthy garlic flavor to deepen the taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for authentic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, divided: Woody, fragrant herb that brightens and freshens.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: Juicy, slightly acidic tomatoes to balance richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Nutty and salty goodness that melts beautifully.
- 2½ cups beef broth or water: Liquid that cooks the rice and infuses flavor.
- Minced parsley, for serving: Fresh herb garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is critical to build a deeply flavorful base for the beef and rice.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan with the softened vegetables. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until the beef is completely browned and no traces of pink remain, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess oil, drain most of it off, leaving just enough to carry the flavor forward.
Step 3: Incorporate Rice and Herbs
Stir the rinsed rice, garlic powder, dried oregano, and half of the minced rosemary into the beef mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined so the rice can absorb the herbs’ fragrant aromas as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Cheese, and Broth
Sprinkle the drained diced tomatoes and grated Parmesan over the rice mixture. Pour in the beef broth or water and gently push any rice grains stuck on the skillet’s edges into the liquid. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Turn the heat to high just until the liquid comes to a boil. Then cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and soak up all those incredible flavors.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the skillet covered for another 5 minutes to let the rice finish steaming. Once rested, fluff the mixture with a fork. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed, then sprinkle the remaining rosemary on top for fresh, fragrant bursts.
How to Serve Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan and minced parsley. The Parmesan adds extra creaminess and saltiness while the parsley provides a bright, fresh contrast that keeps each bite lively and balanced.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands beautifully on its own as a one-pan meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can round out your plate and complement the bold Italian flavors. Steamed or roasted vegetables are also excellent for adding color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet layered in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to impress guests. You could also top it with a fried or poached egg for a rich, luxurious addition that’s perfect for brunch or adding extra protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to mingle beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
This Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but since it takes longer to cook, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice separately and adding it towards the end to avoid undercooked rice.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and meal prep?
Absolutely! This one-pan skillet freezes well and reheats nicely, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or easy dinners to enjoy throughout the week.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken would work well, and for a vegetarian version, try crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary.
What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are not on hand, you can use chopped roasted red peppers or even a spoonful of tomato paste for that concentrated tomato flavor, though the texture will be a bit different.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat?
Yes, the skillet tastes fantastic when made ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Letting it rest before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe, it’s going to become one of your weeknight heroes. It’s a straightforward, comforting, and utterly delicious dish that satisfies just about every craving while keeping your cooking simple. Gather your ingredients, grab a big skillet, and get ready to fall in love with this cozy, flavorful blend of Italian-inspired goodness!
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Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Description
This Italian Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner combining savory ground beef, aromatic Italian spices, tender bell peppers, sun-dried and diced tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal ideal for busy weeknights that delivers comfort and ease in every bite.
Ingredients
Base and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced fine
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
Protein and Rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, divided
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2½ cups beef broth or water
- Minced parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and kosher salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and fully browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off most of the excess oil from the meat if necessary.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, garlic powder, dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon of the minced fresh rosemary, combining all ingredients evenly.
- Add Tomatoes and Cheese: Sprinkle the drained diced tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the rice mixture in the skillet.
- Pour in Broth and Prepare for Simmering: Pour the beef broth (or water) over the ingredients. Push any rice sticking to the skillet edges into the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the liquid to a boil. Then cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let cook undisturbed for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest the Skillet: Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and rice finish absorbing moisture.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and the remaining minced fresh rosemary for a pop of herbal freshness.
Notes
- If you prefer less salt, adjust the kosher salt to taste or use a low-sodium broth.
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy during cooking.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger groups, but use a larger pan to accommodate all ingredients evenly.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
