30 Easy Ground Beef and Rice Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Need cheap, filling dinners? These 30 easy ground beef and rice recipes include one pan skillets, cheesy casseroles, stuffed peppers, rice bowls and cozy soups the whole family will love.

Ground beef and rice are two of the cheapest, most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Together they make hearty dinners that stretch to feed a family, like many of our one-dish ground beef dinners.

This list covers skillets, casseroles, stuffed dinners, rice bowls from around the world and soups. If you love a bake, start with our Mexican ground beef rice casserole.

Here are the recipes.

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• Easy Fried Rice Recipes

GROUND BEEF AND RICE RECIPES

🍳 One Pan Ground Beef and Rice Skillets

Everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup.

1. Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Ground beef, rice, beans and taco seasoning simmered in one pan and topped with melty cheese. A family favorite in 30 minutes.

Use instant or long grain rice and let it cook right in the sauce, no separate pot needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and stir in the taco seasoning.
2. Add the rice, tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil.
3. Cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Stir in beans, top with cheese and cover until melted.

2. Southwest Ground Beef Rice Skillet

Beef, rice, corn, peppers and spices in a hearty one pan meal. It’s filling and very budget friendly.

Top with avocado and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion and pepper.
2. Add the spices, rice, salsa and broth.
3. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Stir in corn, add cheese and cover until melted.

3. Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A simple, savory beef and rice dinner made with pantry staples. Great for busy weeknights.

Season well with garlic and onion powder, since the rice soaks up all the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup rice
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
• 1 cup mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion and garlic.
2. Add the rice, broth, tomato sauce and paprika.
3. Simmer covered 18 minutes.
4. Stir in veggies, top with cheese and cover 3 minutes.

4. Cheesy Beef Broccoli and Rice Skillet

Ground beef, broccoli and rice in a creamy cheddar sauce. All made in one pot.

Add the broccoli in the last 5 minutes so it stays bright green.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the rice, broth and garlic powder and simmer covered 15 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli and cook 5 minutes.
4. Stir in milk and cheese until creamy.

5. Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Rice

Sweet and savory honey garlic beef served over rice with broccoli. Takeout flavor for less money.

Use lean beef so you don’t need to drain it before adding the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 cups broccoli
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and ginger.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, honey and cornstarch and pour in.
3. Simmer until thick.
4. Serve over rice with steamed broccoli.

6. Ground Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice

Beef, broccoli and egg fried rice in one pan. A great way to use leftover rice.

Cold, day-old rice fries best and won’t clump.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and set aside.
2. Cook the broccoli 3 minutes.
3. Add the rice and fry until hot.
4. Scramble in the eggs, add beef and sauces, and toss.

7. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Cajun-style rice with ground beef, peppers, onion and celery. Bold, spicy and ready in 30 minutes.

Use a salt-free Cajun seasoning so you can control the salt.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion, pepper and celery.
2. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning.
3. Stir in rice and broth and simmer covered 20 minutes.
4. Fluff and top with green onions.

8. Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

Tomato rice cooked with ground beef and mild spices. A complete meal in one pan.

Toast the rice in the pan for 2 minutes before adding liquid for better texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 3/4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion, then remove.
2. Toast the rice in the pan until golden.
3. Add the tomato sauce, broth, spices and beef.
4. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

9. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

All the flavor of cabbage rolls without the rolling. Beef, rice, cabbage and tomatoes in one skillet.

A little brown sugar balances the tomato tang.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion.
2. Add the cabbage and cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, sauce, rice, broth, sugar and paprika.
4. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

🧀 Ground Beef and Rice Casseroles

Cheesy bakes that feed a crowd and reheat well.

10. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Seasoned beef, rice and veggies baked under a layer of cheese. Easy to prep and great for leftovers.

Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes so the rice cooks evenly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the beef and onion.
3. Mix with rice, soup, broth and veggies in a 9×13 dish.
4. Cover and bake 45 minutes, add cheese and bake 10 more.

11. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Creamy, cheesy beef and rice baked until bubbly. Kids love it.

Use cooked rice to cut the bake time in half.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the beef and drain.
3. Mix with rice, soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder and half the cheese.
4. Top with remaining cheese and bake 25 minutes.

12. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

Beef, rice, beans and enchilada sauce layered with cheese. All the enchilada flavor with no rolling.

Top with sour cream, cilantro and avocado.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the beef with taco seasoning.
3. Mix with rice, beans, corn, sauce and half the cheese.
4. Top with remaining cheese and bake 20 minutes.

13. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Everything you love about stuffed peppers, baked in one dish. Much faster and easier.

Use a mix of red, yellow and green peppers for color.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 3 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the beef with onion and peppers.
3. Stir in rice, tomatoes, sauce and seasoning.
4. Top with cheese and bake 20 minutes.

14. Cabbage Roll Casserole

Layers of cabbage, beef, rice and tomato sauce baked until tender. Comfort food that’s easy to make.

It tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the beef and onion.
3. Layer cabbage, beef mixture and rice in a dish.
4. Pour over tomatoes and broth, cover and bake 1 hour, then add cheese for 10 minutes.

🫑 Stuffed Dinners and Meatballs

Classic comfort food with beef and rice inside.

15. Old Fashioned Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with beef, rice and tomato sauce and baked with cheese on top. A classic for a reason.

Par-boil the peppers for 3 minutes so they cook through in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and par-boil the pepper shells.
2. Brown the beef and onion and mix with rice and half the sauce.
3. Stuff the peppers and pour over remaining sauce.
4. Bake 30 minutes, add cheese and bake 5 more.

16. Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Beef and Rice

Zucchini halves filled with beef, rice and tomato and baked until tender. A lighter stuffed dinner.

Chop the scooped zucchini flesh and add it to the filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara
• 1/2 cup parmesan
• 1 cup mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and hollow out the zucchini.
2. Brown the beef with onion and chopped zucchini.
3. Stir in rice, marinara and parmesan.
4. Fill the boats, top with mozzarella and bake 25 minutes.

17. Porcupine Meatballs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157766793181493944

Beef and rice meatballs simmered in tomato sauce. The rice pokes out as it cooks, like little quills.

Use uncooked long grain rice. It cooks inside the meatballs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, rice, onion, egg and salt.
2. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls.
3. Brown in a skillet.
4. Add soup and water, cover and simmer 45 minutes.

18. Beef Koftas with Basmati Rice

Spiced beef koftas served with fluffy basmati rice. A fragrant dinner the whole family enjoys.

Bake the koftas on a sheet pan to save time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 cups cooked basmati rice
• Toasted cashews
• Yogurt sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, onion, garlic, spices and parsley.
2. Shape into small logs.
3. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
4. Serve over rice with cashews and yogurt sauce.

🥢 Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Quick bowls with big flavor, great for meal prep.

19. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Sweet and savory ground beef over rice with cucumbers and green onions. Ready in 20 minutes.

Add a fried egg on top for an extra satisfying bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and ginger.
2. Stir in soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil.
3. Simmer 2 minutes.
4. Serve over rice with toppings.

20. Easy Ground Beef Bibimbap

A Korean mixed rice bowl with seasoned beef, veggies and a fried egg. Colorful and fun to eat.

Cook each veggie quickly in the same pan to keep cleanup simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Spinach
• Carrots, julienned
• Zucchini
• Bean sprouts
• 4 eggs
• Gochujang

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef with soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil.
2. Quickly sauté each vegetable.
3. Fry the eggs sunny side up.
4. Arrange over rice and serve with gochujang.

21. Gochujang Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Spicy-sweet gochujang beef over rice. It’s bold and comes together fast.

Adjust the gochujang to your heat level.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Cucumber
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic.
2. Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce and honey.
3. Simmer 3 minutes.
4. Serve over rice with cucumber and green onions.

22. Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Ground beef in homemade teriyaki sauce with veggies over rice. Great for meal prep.

Pack in containers with broccoli for easy lunches.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
• 2 cups broccoli
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and ginger.
2. Add the soy sauce, honey and cornstarch slurry.
3. Simmer until thick.
4. Serve over rice with steamed broccoli.

23. Mongolian Ground Beef Bowl

Sticky, sweet Mongolian-style ground beef with green onions over rice. A budget version of the takeout favorite.

Let the sauce reduce until it coats the beef.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 4 green onions
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and ginger.
2. Add soy sauce, sugar and cornstarch.
3. Simmer until sticky.
4. Stir in green onions and serve over rice.

24. Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Seasoned beef, rice, beans, corn and toppings in one bowl. Everyone builds their own.

Set it up as a burrito bowl bar for family nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3 cups cooked cilantro lime rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with taco seasoning.
2. Warm the beans and corn.
3. Divide rice into bowls.
4. Top with beef, beans, corn and toppings.

25. Greek Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Lemon oregano beef over rice with cucumber, tomato, feta and tzatziki. Fresh and filling.

Make extra tzatziki. Everyone wants more.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 lemon
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Feta
• Tzatziki

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with garlic and oregano.
2. Squeeze in lemon juice.
3. Divide rice into bowls.
4. Top with beef, veggies, feta and tzatziki.

🌎 Comfort Classics from Around the World

Family favorites from Puerto Rico, Pakistan and beyond.

26. Puerto Rican Beef Picadillo

Ground beef simmered with tomato, olives and sofrito, served with white rice. Savory and comforting.

Add diced potatoes to stretch it further.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp sofrito
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• 1 packet sazón
• 1 tsp adobo
• 3 cups cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with sofrito.
2. Add tomato sauce, olives, sazón and adobo.
3. Simmer 15 minutes.
4. Serve over white rice.

27. Keema Chawal (Ground Beef Rice Pilaf)

Spiced ground beef cooked with basmati rice in one pot. A kid-friendly Pakistani classic.

Soak the basmati for 20 minutes for long, fluffy grains.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tomato
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 cups water
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Fry the onion and cumin seeds until golden.
2. Add ginger garlic paste, beef and spices and cook through.
3. Add tomato, rice and water.
4. Cover and cook on low 15 minutes, then rest 5.

28. Ground Beef Stroganoff with Rice

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/589830882485707736

Creamy mushroom beef stroganoff served over rice instead of noodles. Rich and comforting.

Stir in the sour cream off the heat so it doesn’t split.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion, mushrooms and garlic.
2. Sprinkle with flour and stir in broth.
3. Simmer until thick.
4. Stir in sour cream off the heat and serve over rice.

🍲 Ground Beef and Rice Soups

Cozy, hearty soups for cold nights.

29. Stuffed Pepper Soup

Beef, peppers, rice and tomatoes in a hearty soup. It tastes just like stuffed peppers.

Cook the rice separately and add to bowls so it doesn’t soak up all the broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 bell peppers
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion, peppers and garlic.
2. Add the tomatoes, sauce, broth and seasoning.
3. Simmer 25 minutes.
4. Stir in rice before serving.

30. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Beef, cabbage, rice and tomato in a cozy one pot soup. Easy, hearty and freezer friendly.

Add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten it up.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion.
2. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, broth and spices.
3. Stir in the rice.
4. Simmer 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Keep ground beef and rice in the pantry and you’ll always have a cheap, hearty dinner ready to go.