One-Pan Mediterranean Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Some of my fondest kitchen memories come from watching my grandmother turn simple, humble ingredients into the most comforting meals. She had a knack for it. One of her weeknight staples was a simple skillet with ground beef, rice, and whatever vegetables she had on hand. It was hearty, satisfying, and always hit the spot after a long day of playing outside.

For years, I made my own version of her classic, a reliable but perhaps a little plain Ground Beef and Rice dinner. It was good, but it wasn’t special. It was the kind of meal you make when you just need to get something on the table.

Then one evening, I was cleaning out the fridge while the skillet was simmering. I found a half-block of feta cheese, a bunch of parsley that was on its last leg, and a lemon. On a whim, I decided to crumble the feta and chop the parsley over the finished dish, and I squeezed a bit of fresh lemon juice over my own bowl.

Y’all, that was it. That was the moment this simple dish transformed. The salty, briny feta, the fresh, bright parsley, and the zing of lemon cut through the richness of the beef and tomato, making every single bite pop. It went from a basic weeknight meal to something truly memorable. Now, this is the only way I make it.

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Why This Ground Beef and Rice Recipe Works

Ground beef and rice skillet dinners have been a staple in American kitchens for generations. They are the definition of a practical, budget-friendly meal. The combination of savory meat, filling rice, and vegetables all cooked together in one pan makes for an easy cooking process and even easier cleanup. It’s a classic for a reason. It’s dependable, it fills you up, and it uses ingredients most of us usually have on hand.

While the traditional version is pure comfort, it can sometimes feel a little one-note. The flavors of beef, tomato, and onion are delicious, but they can blend together. That’s where my little twist comes in to completely elevate the dish from simple to sensational. This isn’t just another skillet meal, it’s a skillet meal with personality.

The secret is the trifecta of toppings added right at the end. The crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy texture and a wonderful salty, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef. Fresh parsley adds a burst of clean, herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire dish. And a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice provides a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness and makes all the other flavors sing. These simple additions turn a humble Ground Beef and Rice dish into something that tastes complex, fresh, and downright impressive.

It’s still a one-pan wonder, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s still incredibly easy to make. But now, it’s also a dish you’ll be proud to serve to company, a meal that feels special without any extra effort.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice

The beauty of this recipe is that it starts with simple, everyday ingredients. The magic happens when we bring them all together with a few special touches at the end. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this incredible skillet dinner.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Let’s talk about a few of these ingredients, because quality really makes a difference here. For the ground beef, I prefer using a lean blend, like 90/10 or 93/7. This gives you all the rich, beefy flavor without excess grease, which means you might not even need to drain the pan. A low-sodium beef broth is also a good choice, as it allows you to control the salt level of the final dish yourself.

Now for the stars of the show, my little twists that make this recipe shine. Crumbled feta cheese is the key. Please buy it in a block and crumble it yourself. The pre-crumbled kind is often dry and lacks that creamy texture. For the fresh parsley, don’t substitute dried. The fresh, vibrant flavor is essential for cutting through the richness. The same goes for the lemon. That squeeze of fresh juice at the end brightens everything up in a way bottled juice just can’t replicate. It’s these fresh, final touches that truly make this Ground Beef and Rice recipe a standout.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Ground Beef and Rice

This is a true one-pan meal, which is my favorite kind of recipe for a busy weeknight. All the magic happens in a single large skillet or Dutch oven. A heavy-bottomed pan, like cast iron or a Dutch oven, is perfect because it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent the rice from sticking and scorching on the bottom.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef and the chopped yellow onion. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. You want to continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This step builds the first layer of flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell it. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. If you used beef with a higher fat content, now is the time to carefully drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Simmer

Next, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Let it toast in the pan for about a minute, stirring constantly. This little step gives the rice a slightly nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate. Now, pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes for a little kick if you’re using them, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Cover and Cook

Once it’s boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, so it’s at a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is to let the rice absorb all that flavorful liquid and become tender. Try not to lift the lid during this time, as that lets the steam escape which is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly. After 15 minutes, you can quickly check if the rice is done and most of the liquid is gone. If not, pop the lid back on for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the rice is tender, stir in the frozen peas. They don’t need to be thawed beforehand. Just cook for another two to three minutes until they are bright green and heated through. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh parsley all over the top. The residual heat will soften the feta just slightly. Serve your delicious Ground Beef and Rice immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over each serving.

How To Serve Ground Beef and Rice

While this dish is a complete meal all on its own, a few simple additions can make it feel even more special. The way you serve it can transform it from a simple skillet dinner into a full-fledged feast. My favorite way is the simplest, scooped straight from the pan into a warm bowl with that essential wedge of lemon on the side. The bright, acidic juice squeezed over the top right before digging in is non-negotiable in my house.

But if you want to dress it up a bit, here are a few of my go-to ideas for serving this fantastic Ground Beef and Rice skillet:

• With a Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect companion. The freshness of the greens and the tangy dressing provide a lovely contrast to the hearty, savory skillet.
• Alongside Crusty Bread: You’ll want something to mop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of garlic bread is absolutely perfect for the job.
• As a Lettuce Wrap Filling: For a lighter, lower-carb option, scoop the ground beef and rice mixture into large, crisp lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce. It’s a fun, hands-on way to enjoy the meal.
• With a Dollop of Yogurt or Sour Cream: A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy element that balances the warmth of the red pepper flakes and the richness of the beef.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the key is to highlight those fresh finishing touches. Make sure the feta, parsley, and lemon are front and center. It’s a meal that’s as wonderful for a quiet family dinner as it is for having a few friends over. It’s rustic, elegant, and unbelievably delicious.

How To Store & Reuse Ground Beef and Rice Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, maybe even better as the flavors have more time to meld together. Storing and reheating this dish is a breeze, making it a perfect meal to cook once and eat twice. Proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty for days to come.

To store your leftover Ground Beef and Rice, allow it to cool down to room temperature first. This is important for food safety. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days. I recommend storing the fresh parsley and lemon wedges separately to add just before serving the leftovers, as this will keep their flavors bright and fresh.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of easy reheating options:

• Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. You might want to sprinkle a tablespoon of water or beef broth over the top to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: My preferred method is reheating it right back in a skillet. Add the leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. This helps revive the texture of the rice beautifully.

Don’t just reheat it, you can also completely repurpose the leftovers. Try using the mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or zucchini boats. Just hollow out the vegetables, stuff them with the ground beef and rice, top with a little extra cheese, and bake until the veggies are tender. It’s also fantastic as a hearty filling for burritos or tacos. A little creativity can give your leftovers a whole new life!

Substitutions & Variations For Ground Beef and Rice

I always say a good recipe is like a good road map, it gives you a great route, but there are always interesting side roads to explore. This Ground Beef and Rice recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations that work wonderfully with this dish. They can help you cater to different dietary needs or just add a new spin to a familiar favorite.

• Protein Swaps: If you’re not in the mood for beef, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives. Ground pork or even crumbled Italian sausage would also be delicious and add a different flavor profile.
• Grain Variations: While long-grain white rice is classic, you can easily substitute it. Brown rice works well, but you will need to increase the simmering time and possibly add a little more beef broth. For a different texture, try swapping the rice for quinoa or even a small pasta like orzo. Just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Veggie Add-ins: This skillet is a great way to use up vegetables. Feel free to stir in a cup of corn, diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or spinach along with the peas. If using heartier vegetables like bell peppers, I’d add them with the onions to give them time to soften.
• Cheese Choices: Feta is my secret weapon here, but if it’s not your favorite, other cheeses work too. Crumbled goat cheese would offer a similar tangy creaminess. For a more traditional melt, shredded mozzarella or a Monterey Jack blend would be lovely, though you’ll miss that briny kick. To make it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese.
• Spice It Up or Down: You can easily adjust the heat level. If you love spice, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or even a finely diced jalapeño with the onions. For a milder version, just leave the red pepper flakes out entirely.

Think of this recipe as a template. The core method of browning meat, toasting rice, and simmering in a flavorful liquid can be adapted in so many ways. Experiment and have fun with it!

5 FAQs About Ground Beef and Rice

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Ground Beef and Rice recipe.

What is the best kind of rice for this Ground Beef and Rice skillet?

For this specific recipe, I highly recommend using a long-grain white rice. Varieties like Jasmine or Basmati are excellent choices. Long-grain rice contains less starch than its short-grain counterparts, which means the individual grains tend to cook up fluffier and remain more separate after cooking. This is exactly what you want in a skillet dish like this, as it prevents the final result from becoming a dense, sticky, or mushy clump.

You can use brown rice if you prefer, but it requires a couple of adjustments. Brown rice has its tough outer bran layer intact, so it takes significantly longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll likely need to increase the simmering time to 40-45 minutes and add an extra ½ to ¾ cup of beef broth to ensure it cooks through properly. I would avoid using short-grain rice like Arborio, which is designed to release starch and become creamy, as that would result in a texture closer to risotto than the fluffy skillet we’re aiming for here.

How do I keep my Ground Beef and Rice from getting mushy?

This is a great question, as mushy rice can be a real letdown. There are two crucial steps to prevent this. The first is toasting the uncooked rice in the skillet for a minute or so after you’ve browned the beef. This step coats the grains in a bit of fat and helps them absorb the liquid more slowly and evenly, which is key to maintaining their individual structure. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final texture.

The second, and most important, tip is to resist the urge to stir the dish while it’s simmering. Once you’ve brought the liquid to a boil and reduced the heat, put the lid on and leave it alone. Lifting the lid releases steam, which is essential for cooking the rice, and stirring can break up the grains and release their starches, leading to a gummy texture. Trust the process, keep the heat on a gentle simmer, and let the rice do its thing undisturbed. Following these two tips will give you perfectly tender and fluffy Ground Beef and Rice every time.

Can I make this Ground Beef and Rice recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep or for making ahead of a busy evening. You can prepare the entire dish from start to finish, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious overnight, so you’re in for a treat.

When you’re ready to serve, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop for the best texture. Just place the desired amount in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to help rehydrate the rice. Cover and heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. To maintain that fresh-made taste, I suggest waiting to add the “twist” ingredients. Store the crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges separately. Sprinkle them over the dish right after reheating and just before serving to get that wonderful burst of fresh, bright flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It’s a wonderful way to make the dish a bit leaner. I suggest using a 93/7 ground turkey, as it has enough fat to stay moist and flavorful. If you use extra-lean ground turkey (99/1), you might find it a bit dry, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning it. Turkey has a milder flavor than beef, so you might also want to give your seasonings a little boost. Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika along with the oregano to deepen the savory flavor.

Otherwise, the cooking process remains exactly the same. The rest of the ingredients, especially the bold flavors from the feta, lemon, and parsley, pair beautifully with the milder taste of turkey. It’s a simple swap that works perfectly in this versatile Ground Beef and Rice skillet, allowing you to easily adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences.

What other vegetables can I add to this Ground Beef and Rice?

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for adding more vegetables. It’s a great way to clean out your produce drawer and boost the nutritional value of the meal. You can add about one to two cups of additional chopped vegetables without needing to adjust the liquid ratio significantly. Heartier vegetables that need more time to cook should be added early in the process.

For example, chopped bell peppers (any color), diced carrots, or celery can be added right along with the onion to soften as the beef browns. Quicker-cooking vegetables like chopped zucchini, corn (frozen or fresh), or chopped mushrooms can be stirred in when you add the rice and broth. For delicate greens like fresh spinach or kale, I recommend stirring them in at the very end with the peas. The residual heat will be enough to wilt them perfectly in just a minute or two. Adding more vegetables makes this one-pan wonder even more of a complete, well-rounded meal.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved this easy and flavorful skillet, you’ll definitely enjoy some of my other favorite ground beef recipes.

• Easy Stuffed Peppers: A classic comfort food dish where sweet bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings.
• The Perfect Ground Beef Casserole: A hearty and cheesy layered bake that is the ultimate family-friendly weeknight dinner.
• 40+ Easy Ground Beef Recipes: Looking for even more inspiration? This roundup has over 40 delicious and simple ways to use that package of ground beef in your fridge.

Each of these recipes brings that same satisfying, homestyle comfort that makes cooking so rewarding.