Beef and rice is a timeless dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this simple recipe combines tender beef with flavorful rice. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite seasonings or vegetables.
Why We Love This
Beef and rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and versatile. Here’s why it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner. With simple ingredients like tender beef and rice, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: One of the best parts of beef and rice is how easily it adapts to your taste. You can use different cuts of beef, like ground beef or steak, or switch up the rice with options like jasmine or brown rice for added flavor and texture.
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of beef and rice offers a satisfying, filling meal that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re craving something savory or want to add a little kick with spices, this dish delivers all the flavors you love.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is loved by everyone, from kids to adults. You can also sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make it even more nutritious without compromising the taste.
Ingredients
Ground beef – The main protein for the dish, adding flavor and richness. You can also use other cuts like flank steak or sirloin.
Long-grain white rice – The base of the dish, cooking up fluffy and perfect for absorbing the beef’s flavor.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish when sautéed.
Garlic – Enhances the savory flavor of the beef.
Soy sauce – Adds umami and seasoning.
Beef broth – Adds moisture and richness, making the dish flavorful.
Olive oil – For sautéing the beef and veggies, adding a light flavor.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper – Adds mild heat and flavor.
Dried oregano – Optional; adds a touch of earthy flavor.
Frozen peas – Optional; adds color and sweetness to the dish.
Instructions
Making this beef and rice dish is simple and quick, making it perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Just follow these easy steps:
Cook the Rice: Boil 2 cups of water, add rice and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender. Set aside.
Sauté the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Veggies and Garlic: Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
Season the Meat: Stir in soy sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine the Rice and Beef: Add the cooked rice to the beef mixture. Stir to combine, adding beef broth or water if you prefer a moister dish.
Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer on low for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips
Here are some expert tips to help you make the most out of this beef and rice recipe, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time:
Use Lean Beef: For a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef or a cut like sirloin or flank steak. This will keep the dish hearty but not too greasy.
Rice Cooking Tip: If you’re using brown rice, it will take a bit longer to cook—about 35-40 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s tender and fluffy.
Sauté the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly before adding any vegetables or seasonings. This step enhances the flavor and adds a rich depth to the dish.
Customize the Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables to this dish, like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them in with the onions and garlic for an extra nutritional boost.
Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a chopped chili pepper when you cook the beef. It’ll bring a whole new layer of flavor to the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. This simple touch makes the dish feel even more fresh and vibrant.
Leftovers Tip: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes nicely if you want to make a bigger batch and enjoy it later.
Variations
This beef and rice recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it based on your preferences or on what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or tempeh. You can also use veggie broth instead of beef broth for a lighter option. Add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Beef and Rice: If you love a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder when sautéing the onions and garlic. For extra heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving.
Add a Touch of Sweetness: For a sweet and savory twist, mix in a few tablespoons of raisins or dried cranberries. They’ll pair beautifully with the savory beef and rice, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Beef and Rice Casserole: For a comforting casserole-style dish, transfer the cooked beef and rice mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. Cauliflower rice absorbs the flavors beautifully while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Serving Suggestions
This beef and rice dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish even more enjoyable:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances out the richness of the beef and rice. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a perfect side. They add a nice crunch and vibrant color while complementing the savory flavors of the beef and rice.
Garlic Bread or Naan: For a more indulgent option, serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or naan. The warm, soft bread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices left on your plate.
Fried Egg on Top: For a fun twist, top your beef and rice with a fried egg. The creamy yolk adds richness and elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort food.
Serving Suggestions
This beef and rice dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish even more enjoyable:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances out the richness of the beef and rice. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a perfect side. They add a nice crunch and vibrant color while complementing the savory flavors of the beef and rice.
Garlic Bread or Naan: For a more indulgent option, serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or naan. The warm, soft bread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices left on your plate.
Fried Egg on Top: For a fun twist, top your beef and rice with a fried egg. The creamy yolk adds richness and elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort food.
FAQs
How can I make beef and rice spicier?
If you love heat, there are several ways to spice up your beef and rice. You can add fresh diced chilies, such as jalapeños or serranos, while cooking the beef. Alternatively, sprinkle in some chili flakes or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce or sriracha. These additions will bring an extra layer of flavor and spice to the dish.
What is the best type of rice for this recipe?
While this recipe works well with regular long-grain white rice, you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. For a healthier option, try brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Just keep in mind that different types of rice may require slight adjustments in cooking time and liquid.
Can I make beef and rice ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or broth to bring it back to its original texture.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for beef. These leaner proteins will give you a lighter version of the dish while still keeping it delicious and satisfying. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings and cooking time as needed to accommodate the different flavors.
beef and rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or any cut of beef you prefer, like flank steak or sirloin, finely chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine or brown rice
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano optional
- 1/2 cup frozen peas optional
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Beef: While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or your choice of beef cut) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Veggies and Garlic: To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything together, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned. If you’re using peas, add them now and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Combine the Rice and Beef: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. If you prefer a moister dish, you can add a splash of beef broth or water here.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.