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Cozy Beef and Rice Skillet That Feels Like a Warm Hug

Best Cozy Beef and Rice Skillet Easy Weeknight Dinner

Cozy beef and rice skillet brings heartwarming comfort to your table. This easy dinner combines tender beef with rice for a warm hug on a plate. Try it tonight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 0.5 cup carrots, diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Stir in the long grain rice, coating each grain with oil and beef drippings. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, which adds nutty flavor and prevents mushiness during the cooking process. This step transforms ordinary rice into something extraordinary.
  4. Pour in beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with its juices. Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, stirring everything together thoroughly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid for your cozy beef and rice skillet recipe.
  5. Simmer covered for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, then cover again and cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are heated through and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 3 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, fluff with a fork, and garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving.