Delicious recipes for red velvet cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes.
Beef And Rice Skillet
- add review
- #70545
A simple skillet dinner made with ground beef, onion, rice, beef bouillon granules, green bell pepper, tomato, and Monterey jack cheese.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
7 reviews
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked rice, not instant
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is cooked and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir the water, rice, beef bouillon granules, and dry mustard into the beef mixture. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Stir in the chopped green pepper and tomato. Top evenly with the shredded cheese. Cover the skillet again and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Serve hot.
recipe tips
For a subtle heat, substitute 1 can of chopped green chiles for the green bell pepper.
For extra flavor, saute the onion and beef with a bit of garlic before adding other ingredients.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
Try different types of cheese for a unique twist.
For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with sauteed mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of the bouillon granules and water.
Make sure to use long-grain or medium-grain rice, which will hold up better during cooking in this dish.
Try garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and freshness when serving.
You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it for an easy weeknight meal.
Adjust the seasoning after cooking if needed, as some cheeses and bouillon brands may be saltier tasting than others.
common recipe questions
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat.
Is it necessary to drain the grease after cooking the beef?
Yes, draining excess grease helps to reduce the fat content and avoid a greasy dish.
Can I use instant rice instead of regular uncooked rice?
It's best to follow the recipe as written with regular rice for proper cooking. If you want to use instant rice, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add chopped jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon granules?
If you don't have beef bouillon granules, you can replace the water with beef broth. You could also substitute chicken bouillon granules for the beef granules or chicken broth for the water for a slightly milder flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Additional vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms can be included. Cook them with the onion or add with the bell pepper and tomato, depending on the doneness desired.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the mixture to cool before placing it in the refrigerator.
Can this dish be frozen?
You can freeze the beef and rice dish. Cool it completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry. If frozen, let thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Can I add different types of cheese?
You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
tools needed
Large Skillet: A large skillet for cooking the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. It should be deep enough to hold the liquid and rice when added.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the water, rice, beef bouillon granules, mustard powder, and shredded cheese.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the beef mixture while cooking in the skillet and for mixing in the rice and other ingredients.
Lid: A lid for the skillet is necessary to cover the dish as it simmers, helping the rice to cook properly by trapping steam.
Cutting Board and Knife: To prepare the onion, green bell pepper, and tomato.
Cheese Grater (optional): If the Monterey Jack cheese is bought as a block, a cheese grater will be needed to shred it before topping the skillet.
Serving Spoon: For serving the finished dish onto plates.
what goes with it?
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy tang that freshens the dish and complements the savory beef flavors.
Cornbread: A slice of cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that contrasts well with the savory skillet dish.
Hot Sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can boost the flavors with heat and spice.
Grated Cheese: Additional grated cheese can be sprinkled on top just before serving for extra richness. Choose a cheese that complements the Monterey Jack such as Cheddar.
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that complements the spices, particularly the mustard.
Pickled Jalapenos: The acidity and heat from pickled jalapenos can provide a zesty punch that cuts through the richness.
Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish adds a zesty brightness that counterbalances the heaviness of the beef and cheese.
Fried Plantains: The sweetness of fried plantains offers a contrast to the savory beef and rice.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping, which adds a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soft beef and rice dish.
Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the meal.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Merlot: This medium-bodied red wine boasts soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors like plum and black cherry. It complements the savory beef nicely while not overpowering the entire dish. Look for a Merlot with hints of herbal notes that can balance the rich butteriness of the cheese.
Syrah: A warming glass of Syrah, with its peppery, bold nature, matches well with the flavors of the ground beef and the spices. Choose a Syrah with dark fruit character and smoky undertones for harmony.
Chardonnay: An oaky, buttery Chardonnay goes beautifully with the melted cheese, bringing out the creaminess and complementing the overall dish. Look for one that has flavors of golden apple and a hint of vanilla.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Red Ale: The malty sweetness from a red ale can underscore the seasonings' flavors. Look for a balanced one that combines caramel notes with an inviting body.
Margarita: Want to spice things up? A classic margarita on the rocks offers bright acidity from lime that's a fun contrast to the savory flavors of the skillet dinner.
Gin and Tonic: A crisp gin and tonic holds a herbal brightness and hint of citrus that'll pair well with the meal.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Tomato Juice: You can't go wrong here. Tomato juice provides a lovely, slightly savory quality that fits with the tomato.
Sparkling Apple Cider: Light and effervescent with a sweet edge, sparkling apple cider pairs well with the beef and rice, providing a nice contrast without overwhelming it.
Herbal Iced Tea: A lightly sweetened herbal iced tea with hints of mint or lemon provides a refreshingly bright drink that contrasts nicely with the heaviness of the cheese and beef.
nutrition data
611 calories, 33 grams fat, 44 grams carbohydrates, 32 grams protein per serving.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
reviews & comments
July 8, 2016
A good busy-night go to meal! Whole family liked it even the picky eaters.
February 28, 2015
Simple meal for busy weeknight. I've made this a couple times now varying it a little. One time instead of regular white rice I used a spanish rice mix and that turned out pretty delicious.
June 8, 2014
Give this skillet recipe a healthy update by using ground turkey (or ground chicken breast), brown rice, and fat free cheese. If you want to add more fiber to it, stir in some beans (and maybe reduce some of the meat amount) and it will make it a hearty but still healthy meal.
May 12, 2014
My kids like this a lot and I love it because it only uses one dish!
April 30, 2014
This skillet recipe has a good ratio of ingredients which yields a nice texture with decent flavor. In stead of the chopped tomato, I used a can of drained rotel tomatoes to give it a little extra zip.
January 22, 2014
this was really easy and yummy!! definitely going to be making this again!
October 24, 2013
Easy, simple, good flavor.