11 Delicious Recipes You Can Make With Ground Beef and Rice

Rice and ground beef are pantry staples that most of us have on hand. They’re affordable, versatile ingredients that pair nicely together in a variety of dishes.

If you’re looking for new ways to use up ground beef and rice, you’ll love these tasty recipe ideas! From skillet dinners to stuffed peppers, this list has a recipe for every appetite.

An Overview of Ground Beef and Rice

Ground beef is one of the most widely used meats. Made from beef trimmings, it’s an affordable and versatile protein source. Ground beef ranges in fat percentage, with most conventional brands containing 15-27% fat. For health, I recommend choosing 90-95% lean ground beef.

Rice is a versatile, gluten-free grain that comes in many varieties. White rice is the most common. Brown rice is a whole grain with bran and germ intact. There’s also aromatic rices like basmati and jasmine. Rice soaks up flavors easily while adding texture to meals.

Together, ground beef and rice make a satisfying pairing. The rice stretches the meat to feed more people while sopping up savory juices. The meat adds hearty flavor and protein to make the meal well-rounded.

Almost any rice variety will work in these recipes. Make sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Feel free to use another ground meat like turkey or chicken too.

Now let’s get to those recipes! Keep reading for 11 delicious ways to use up ground beef and rice.

1. Easy Beef and Rice Skillet

This skillet dinner comes together in just one pan. It’s a simple weeknight recipe the whole family will love.

First, brown 1 lb ground beef with the aromatics. Next add rice, tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Simmer until the rice absorbs the liquid. Top with shredded cheese before serving.

The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors while the beef provides hearty protein. Feel free to use white or brown rice. For variations, stir in different vegetables like peas or corn.

2. Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

This Tex-Mex rice skillet is bursting with taco flavors. Cook rice with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, taco seasoning, and corn. Mix in shredded cheese just before serving.

The cheesy rice base is perfect stuffed into taco shells or burritos. Top with all your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.

3. Italian Beef and Rice Casserole

If you love lasagna, try this Italian rice casserole. Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Then layer with rice, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan.

Thanks to the rice, this casserole comes together faster than traditional lasagna. It captures all the cheesy, saucy Italian flavors you love with half the effort.

4. Loaded Burrito Rice Bowls

These burrito bowls are a filling vegetarian meal. Make a flavorful rice pilaf with tomatoes, corn, beans, spices, and vegetable broth. Then load it up with toppings.

The seasoned rice bulk up these bowls, so you get a hearty meatless meal. Top with favorites like guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and more.

5. Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

For a fun spin, stuff peppers with a beef and rice mixture. Cook rice with tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stuff into bell peppers and top with mozzarella.

The rice gives this classic dish a twist while making it more filling. The vibrant bell peppers provide a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

6. Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowls

These rice bowls are an easy weeknight dinner. Cook ground beef with broccoli, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Mix with rice and top with green onions.

Thanks to the frozen broccoli, this comes together fast. Feel free to use fresh broccoli florets for extra crunch. Serve with an egg roll or wonton for a well-rounded meal.

7. Mexican Rice and Beef Skillet

One-pot meals like this Mexican rice skillet are perfect for busy nights. Cook rice with ground beef, tomatoes, chilies, cumin, and garlic. Finish with shredded cheese.

The spicy, tomatoey rice base is delicious stuffed into burritos or served with toppings like guacamole. You can also make it with chicken or turkey instead of beef.

8. Easy Beef Fried Rice

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice. Toss cold, cooked rice with sesame oil. Then stir-fry with ground beef, frozen veggies, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

The dish comes together in minutes for a quick weeknight meal. Transform any takeout rice into fried rice with ground beef and vegetables.

9. Cowboy Beef and Rice Casserole

For comfort food, try this cowboy casserole. Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and chili powder. Mix with rice, tomatoes, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Top with cheese.

Thanks to the rice, this casserole is more filling than traditional enchiladas. With just 20 minutes of prep, you get a hearty beefy meal the whole family will devour.

10. Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Soup

Let your slow cooker do the work with this simple soup. Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, carrots, peas, and broth. Cook on low 4-6 hours until the rice is tender.

The slow cooker breaks down the rice into a nice thick stew. Feel free to use white or brown rice. Mix in any favorite vegetables too like potatoes or zucchini.

11. Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

For a special occasion, make these stuffed cabbage rolls. Soak rice in broth with onions and garlic. Mix with cooked ground beef. Roll in cabbage leaves and bake with tomato sauce.

This is a labor of love but worth the effort. The rice filling turns a classic into something new. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Tips for Cooking With Ground Beef and Rice

• Browning ground beef well helps render fat and enhances flavor. Drain excess grease after cooking.

• For food safety, always cook ground beef to 160°F internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check.

• With rice, remember to adjust liquid and cook times based on the variety. White and brown rice absorb differently.

• For extra flavor, sauté the rice with aromatics like onion and garlic before adding liquid.

• Frozen vegetables are an easy way to add nutrients and color to ground beef and rice dishes.

• Mix up ground meat options by using turkey, chicken, lamb, or sausage instead of just beef.

• Cooked rice freezes well, so leftover rice works great in fried rice and casseroles.

Make a Delicious Meal with Ground Beef and Rice

Ground beef and rice are kitchen staples perfect for throwing together quick meals. This list offers a variety of recipes to suit any taste.

From loaded burrito bowls to stuffed peppers, there are so many delicious ways to use ground beef and rice. The options are endless, so get creative with produce, spices, and mix-ins.

With proper handling and cooking, meals made with ground beef and rice can feed the whole family. Keep these recipe ideas on hand for busy weeknights or fun weekend meals.