Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Peppers

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Peppers is an easy, hearty dinner made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, onion, garlic, and simple spices. Everything cooks together in one skillet for a filling meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

The combination of savory beef, tender vegetables, and seasoned rice makes this a complete family dinner with very little cleanup. It is also easy to customize with extra vegetables, cheese, or your favorite seasonings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-skillet dinner
• Made with simple everyday ingredients
• Hearty and filling
• Ready in about 35 minutes
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Great for meal prep
• Easy to customize

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no pink remains.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Peppers

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet.

Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Season the Beef Mixture

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef and vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Add Worcestershire Sauce

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute.

Step 6: Add the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet.

Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon or spatula and stir until the rice is evenly mixed with the beef and vegetables.

Step 7: Add the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and stir well.

Cook over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is hot and has absorbed most of the broth.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Taste the skillet and add more salt, black pepper, or seasoning if needed.

Step 9: Add the Green Onions

Stir in half of the sliced green onions.

Step 10: Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Top with the remaining green onions and fresh parsley if desired.

Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

• Use cooked rice: Day-old rice works especially well because it stays separate and does not become mushy.
• Drain excess grease: This keeps the finished dish from becoming oily.
• Do not overcook the peppers: They should be tender but still have some texture.
• Break up the rice: Separate any clumps before mixing it into the skillet.
• Use beef broth: It adds more savory flavor than water.
• Finish with green onions: They add freshness and color to the finished dish.

Easy Variations

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese at the end and cover until melted.

Spicy Ground Beef and Rice

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.

Mexican-Style Ground Beef and Rice

Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex version.

Ground Beef and Mushroom Rice

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice

Add lightly steamed broccoli during the final few minutes of cooking.

Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet

Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Rice

• Garden salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed corn
• Coleslaw

Can I Use Leftover Rice?

Yes. Leftover refrigerated rice is actually an excellent choice for this recipe.

Because the rice has already cooled and dried slightly, the grains stay more separate when mixed with the beef and vegetables.

Can I Use Brown Rice?

Yes. Cooked brown rice can replace white rice in the same amount.

The finished dish will have a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The ground beef and vegetable mixture can be cooked up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

When ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet, add the cooked rice and broth, and continue with the recipe.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of beef broth or water.

Stir occasionally until hot throughout.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 to 6
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 470 calories per serving, depending on portion size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked rice?

This version is designed for cooked rice. If using uncooked rice, the liquid amount and cooking time would need to be increased significantly.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice all work well.

Can I use frozen peppers?

Yes. Add them directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.

Can I add cheese?

Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack all work well.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes. Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef, although the flavor will be lighter.

How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?

Use cooked rice that is not overly soft and avoid adding too much broth.

Can I freeze this meal?

Yes. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to two to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet with Peppers is an easy, hearty one-pan dinner with savory beef, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and simple seasoning.

It is quick enough for busy weeknights, filling enough for a family dinner, and versatile enough to customize with cheese, extra vegetables, or spicy seasonings.