Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

This ground beef skillet is the kind of flexible dinner that earns a permanent place in the rotation. Rice cooks right in the seasoned tomato broth, absorbing every savory drop while bell peppers keep the dish fresh and colorful.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, optional
• Chopped cilantro or scallions, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion, breaking the meat into small pieces.
2. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and browned bits form. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in tomato paste, cumin, and paprika.
4. Add the rice, tomatoes, broth, and salt. Scrape the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
6. Fold in the corn, cover, and rest off the heat for 5 minutes. Add cheese and herbs before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Let the beef sit against the hot pan briefly before breaking it up to encourage browning.
• Keep the lid closed while the rice cooks; escaping steam changes the liquid ratio.
• If the rice is still firm, add 2 tablespoons broth and cook for 2 minutes more.

Food Safety

Ground beef should reach 160°F because surface bacteria can be mixed throughout during grinding. Refrigerate the cooked skillet promptly and use a clean spoon for serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat with a tablespoon of water, covered, until steaming hot throughout.

Serving Suggestions

Add avocado, lime, hot sauce, or plain yogurt at the table. A simple green salad or crunchy slaw is all you need alongside.

Optional Substitutions

Ground turkey works well; add a teaspoon of oil when browning. Replace corn with black beans, cheddar with Monterey Jack, or white rice with quick-cooking brown rice while adjusting liquid according to its package.