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Easy Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef & Rice Skillet

freezer-friendly ground beef rice skillet - featured image
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This Easy Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef & Rice Skillet is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a quick, one-pot meal made with simple ingredients that comes together in about 30 minutes and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the grains become slightly opaque and you hear a faint popping sound.
  4. Add the Tomato Paste and Spices: Push the beef and rice mixture to one side. Add the tomato paste to the empty space and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a strong simmer.
  6. Simmer and Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.
  7. Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve or Cool for Freezing: Serve immediately with garnishes, or let cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Notes

For best results, do not skip toasting the rice. The 5-minute rest period is crucial for perfect texture. If freezing, slightly undercook the rice (15 minutes instead of 18-20) to prevent mushiness upon reheating. For brown rice, use 2.5 cups broth and cook for 40-45 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice, skillet, freezer meal, one-pot, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-freezer-friendly-ground-beef-and-rice-skillet/