Delicious Ground Beef Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights
Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that will please the whole family? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into a mouthwatering ground beef dinner recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. This one-pan wonder is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Why Ground Beef is a Pantry Staple
- Affordable: Ground beef is often one of the more budget-friendly meat options at the grocery store.
- Versatile: It can be used in a wide variety of dishes and cuisines.
- Quick-cooking: Ground beef cooks much faster than larger cuts of meat.
- Flavor-packed: Its high fat content makes it naturally flavorful and juicy.
Now that we’ve sung the praises of ground beef, let’s get cooking!
The Recipe: One-Skillet Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This hearty and comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables all cooked together in one skillet. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ground Beef Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the frozen corn and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Results
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For this recipe, lean ground beef (85% lean/15% fat) works best. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you prefer, you can use extra-lean ground beef (93% lean/7% fat), but you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to prevent the meat from drying out.
Rice Matters
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and doesn’t become sticky. If you want to use brown rice, keep in mind that it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Vegetable Variations
Don’t be afraid to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Some great alternatives or additions include:
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Peas
- Mushrooms
- Spinach (add at the end of cooking)
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this ground beef recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spice It Up
If you like your food with a kick, consider adding some heat to the dish. Try stirring in a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Go Mediterranean
For a Mediterranean twist, swap the cumin for dried basil and oregano, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and toss in some kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking.
Make It Tex-Mex
Transform this dish into a Tex-Mex favorite by adding a packet of taco seasoning instead of the individual spices. Top with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and guacamole for a fun twist.
Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this ground beef dinner recipe is that it makes great leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your casserole:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Meal Prep Magic
This ground beef and rice casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a great way to ensure you always have a homemade meal ready to go, even on your busiest days.
Health Benefits
While this recipe is certainly comforting and satisfying, it also packs a nutritional punch:
- Protein: Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Iron: Beef is rich in iron, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in this dish provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and fiber from the corn.
- Complex Carbohydrates: The rice provides energy-giving complex carbohydrates to fuel your day.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious, easy, and versatile ground beef dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This one-skillet wonder combines the hearty goodness of seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice and colorful vegetables, all topped with melty cheese. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you stick to the recipe as written or put your own spin on it, this ground beef and rice casserole is a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients come together in a single pan. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or exotic ingredients to create a satisfying home-cooked meal.
So next time you’re standing in front of your fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. With just a pound of ground beef and some pantry staples, you’re well on your way to a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
One Comment