Save to Pinterest A hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice—all cooked together for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This was one of the first dinners I made after moving into my own apartment. The convenience of using just one skillet meant less clutter and plenty of leftovers for busy nights.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Rice: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 2¼ cups (540 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: ½ tsp (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheese: ½ cup (50 g) (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and frozen vegetables:
- Add the rinsed rice, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Add liquids:
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Fluff with a fork. Top with chopped parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This skillet dinner was the first thing my kids helped me cook together. Everyone loved picking extra veggies for their bowls and it turned dinner into a fun family night.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, cutting board, chef's knife, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains none as written. Dairy if cheese is used. May contain gluten if using store-bought broth: verify labels and always check ingredient packaging for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without cheese): 390 calories, 11 g total fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This speedy skillet recipe fits busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day. You’ll love how simple it is to customize.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → What vegetables can I substitute in this skillet?
Try zucchini, carrots, or green beans for variety while keeping the dish colorful and nutritious.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the meat with beans or tofu and use vegetable broth to keep it hearty and plant-based.
- → How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly?
Use rinsed long-grain rice and simmer covered on low heat until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is suitable for meal prep or leftovers whenever you need a quick meal.