Ground Beef over Rice
A classic one-pan wonder! Savory ground beef and onions in a simple, flavorful sauce, served over fluffy white rice. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a brown crust before breaking it apart with a spatula.
- d.Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, crumbling the meat, until it's fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- e.Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build and Simmer the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze any browned bits.
- c.Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce until well combined.
- d.Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Thicken the Sauce and Serve
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth slurry forms, with no lumps.
- c.While stirring the beef mixture constantly, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry.
- d.Continue to simmer and stir for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
- e.Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- f.Serve the ground beef mixture generously over hot cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use 85/15 ground beef. The higher fat content adds richness, and you can drain the excess grease.
- 2Don't skip deglazing the pan with beef broth. The browned bits on the bottom of the skillet are packed with flavor.
- 3Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent lumps in your sauce.
- 4This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the beef mixture and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrition and color.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
After thickening the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a large dollop of sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.
Change the BaseChange the Base
This savory beef mixture is also delicious served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even on a toasted bun for a sloppy joe-style sandwich.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall bodily function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is more easily absorbed by the body than plant-based iron. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides B-Vitamins for Energy
Beef is a natural source of essential B-vitamins, particularly B12 and B6. These vitamins play a key role in converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Ground Beef over Rice contains approximately 795 calories, based on the specified ingredients and serving size. This can vary depending on the leanness of the beef and the type of rice used.