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Looking for a quick, tasty dinner that hits the spot? My ground beef and rice recipe is just what you need! It’s savory, a little sweet, and has a kick of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without the fuss.
You may also love my honey garlic chicken or my Chicken and Rice Meal prep.
This dish is a year-round favorite, but it’s especially popular during cooler months when hearty meals are most comforting. Inspired by my Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, this recipe combines the satisfying flavors of ground beef and rice in a simple, one-pan meal. You can serve it with this Cilantro Lime rice.
If you like to meal prep, then this should be added to your weekly or monthly menu. It’s so good.
Ground beef and rice summary
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Flavorful: A tasty mix of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious ground beef and rice dish. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base.
- Onion Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky, rich taste.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory profile.
- Salt and Pepper, to Taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity.
- Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: Introduces a salty, savory component.
- Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick.
- Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce to coat the ingredients nicely.
- Cooked Rice: Serves as the comforting, starchy base.
- Green Onions: Offers a fresh, crisp garnish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch to finish.
How to make ground beef and rice
Making this dish is a breeze! For detailed measurements and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 2: Add Seasonings: Stir in the smoked paprika and minced garlic; continue cooking until the mixture begins to brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture, stirring until everything is nicely coated and heated through.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls, top with the beef mixture, and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Tips & Tricks From my Kitchen
- Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef is fatty, drain the excess fat after browning to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced varieties.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these ideas:
- Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Change the Grain: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a different twist.
- Sweeten It Up: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combination.
- Herb It Up: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Substitutions
Need to make some swaps? Consider these:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt to control sodium levels.
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Honey Substitute: Use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead? Here’s how:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it separately from the rice.
- Refrigeration: Store cooked beef and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed. You may also reheat in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Brown rice works great but takes longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yep! You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it separately from the rice for easy meal prep.
This meal pairs perfectly with sauteed Green Beans, air fryer broccoli, or a fresh side salad for a balanced plate.
Related Recipes
If you’re in the mood for more quick and easy meals, check out these favorites:
- Easy Korean Beef
- Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep
- Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
- Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl
- Southwest Salmon Rice Bowl
- Beef Burrito Meal Prep Bowl
- Healthy Beef Enchiladas
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Ground Beef and Rice
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the 1.5 pound lean ground beef and 1 medium sweet onion (diced). Season with Sea salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in the 1 tablespoon smoked paprika and 4-6 garlic cloves (minced). Continue to cook until it begins to brown. If necessary, drain the fat.
- In a small jug, whisk the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth.
- As the beef starts to brown, pour over the sauce and stir until nicely coated, for about 2-3 minutes.
- To assemble the bowl, divide the 4 cups cooked rice among 4 bowls and top with the ground beef.
- Sprinkle it with 4 green onions (sliced) and 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Notes
- Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef is fatty, drain the excess fat after browning to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced varieties.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just follow your recipe and it’s was so yummy❤️
Hi Rena! This sounds delicious. Question, can I skip the Worcestershire sauce on this recipe? I’m not a big fan . Also, how do you mince the ? You can probably guess I barely cook .
Hi There. yes you can skip it. What do you want to mince? the garlic or beef?
The garlic
there is a garlic press/mincer, but you can just chop the garlic very small.