Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is hearty, colourful, and bursting with homestyle comfort.

Tender ground beef mingles with fluffy rice for a satisfying, all-in-one gluten free meal.

Sweet onions and crisp bell peppers add freshness and vibrant flavour to every bite.

This recipe yields 6 servings but will vary depending on the size of servings to suit your needs.

Chili powder and garlic powder give the dish a cozy warmth and just the right hint of spice.   Melted cheese blankets the top in gooey, irresistible goodness.

Juicy diced tomatoes bring a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the beef and each forkful is a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavours.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

The first step to preparing Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner was to dice up some strips of bacon.

Then I added some olive oil to a large skillet and turned the heat to medium.

Once the skillet was heated I added the diced bacon and cooked until it was crisp.

While the bacon was cooking I diced up a bell pepper..

Then I diced some yellow onion.

Once the bacon was cooked I added the diced pepper, diced onion and some lean ground beef to the skillet.

After cooking the beef until it was no longer pink, I added in some chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, water, tomatoes and rice.

Then I stirred all the ingredients together well and then brought them to a boil.

I reduced the heat to low and then placed the cover on the skillet to simmer the ingredients for about 7 minutes or until the rice was tender.

While the ingredients were simmering I grated some cheese.

After 6 minutes I removed the lid.

I topped the ingredients with the grated cheese and left it on the burner until the cheese had melted.

Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is a quick and easy dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

The combination of beef, rice, and vegetables makes this dish both hearty and wholesome.

Every bite is loaded with tender beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese comfort.

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PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner:

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 tsp garlic
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 cups water
• 28oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner:

1. Dice the bacon.
2. Pour the olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the bacon to the heated skillet.  Cook until crisp.
4. While bacon cooks dice the pepper and the onion.
5. Once bacon ready add the diced pepper, onion and lean ground beef to the skillet.  Cook until beef is no longer pink.
6. Add the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, water, tomatoes and rice to the skillet.  Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for about 7 minutes or until rice is tender.
8. Grate the cheddar cheese.
9. Remove lid and top the ingredients with the shredded cheese.
10. Allow cheese to melt.
11. Serve and enjoy!

FAQs:

What should I serve with ground beef and rice skillet dinner?

Here are some tasty ideas for what to serve with your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner:

Fresh & Light Sides

1. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty skillet.

2. Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of feta cheese.

3. A simple coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast.

4. Steamed or roasted broccoli for a boost of greens.

5. Sauteed zucchini or green beans with a touch of garlic and olive oil.

Gluten Free Breads & Carbs
6. Warm gluten-free cornbread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
7. A side of garlic bread or cheesy toast for extra comfort.
8. Crispy tortilla chips for scooping up the skillet mixture.

Toppings & Extras
9. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess.
10. Fresh avocado slices or guacamole for a cool, buttery touch.
11. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for brightness.
12. A squeeze of lime juice to add a fresh, zesty pop.

Light Desserts
13. Fresh fruit salad or citrus slices to end the meal on a refreshing note.
14. A small serving of chocolate pudding or mousse for a cozy finish.

 

What substitutions can I make in ground beef skillet dinner?

Here are lots of easy and gluten-free substitutions you can make in your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner, depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences:

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Protein Substitutions

1. Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

2. Ground pork for extra richness and flavor.

3. Plant-based ground “beef” or lentils for a vegetarian version.

4. Shredded rotisserie chicken if you need to use up leftovers.

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Rice & Grain Substitutions

5. Brown rice for a nutty, high-fiber option.

6. Quinoa for extra protein and a light texture.

7. Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

8. Gluten-free long-grain blends or wild rice for added flavor and variety.

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Vegetable Substitutions

9. Swap bell peppers for zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for a different texture.

10. Add spinach, kale, or peas for a burst of color and nutrition.

11. Use frozen mixed vegetables for a convenient shortcut.

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Tomato & Sauce Substitutions

12. Use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicier flavor.

13. Swap tomatoes for salsa or tomato sauce for a smoother consistency.

14. Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer, more concentrated taste.

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Cheese Substitutions

15. Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack—they all melt beautifully.

16. For dairy-free, use vegan shredded cheese or a drizzle of cashew queso.

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️ Seasoning Substitutions

17. Replace chili powder with taco seasoning, cumin and smoked paprika, or a Tex-Mex blend.

18. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño for more heat.

19. Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for a bolder flavor.

 

How do I store ground beef and rice skillet dinner?

Here’s how to store your Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner to keep it fresh and tasty:

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️ Refrigerating:

• Let the skillet cool to room temperature before storing.

• Transfer it to an airtight container or divide it into meal-sized portions.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

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❄️ Freezing:

• This dish freezes very well!

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.

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Reheating Tips:

• Microwave individual portions in 30–45 second bursts, stirring between each to heat evenly.

• For larger portions, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

• Add a little extra cheese on top when reheating for a fresh, melty finish.