One-Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes with Rice: A Hearty and Easy Meal

If you're looking for a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than this One-Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes with Rice recipe. 

This comforting dish brings together three staple ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, and rice—into a satisfying, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and only one pot to clean, it's the perfect weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup, and a stress-free cooking experience.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that are pantry staples.

• Customizable: Add your favorite spices, vegetables, or toppings to make it your own.

• Nutritious & Hearty: Packed with protein, carbs, and essential nutrients to keep you full and energized.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 cup white or brown rice

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth (or water)

• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional for added vegetables)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics

• In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

• Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Spices

• Stir in the diced potatoes, mixing well with the beef mixture.

• Add paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.

• Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquid

• Pour in the rice, beef broth (or water), and diced tomatoes (if using).

• Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.

• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

• Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check if additional liquid is needed.

• When the rice and potatoes are tender, and the liquid is mostly absorbed, it’s ready.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients and Serve

• Stir in frozen peas or corn and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Tips for the Best One-Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes with Rice

• Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain rice like baptismal or jasmine works well. If using brown rice, increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add extra liquid.

• Cut Potatoes Evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate and become tender without turning mushy.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: An 85/15 or 90/10 beef-to-fat ratio works best to avoid excessive grease.

• Boost the Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of hot sauce for extra depth.

• Make It Healthier: Swap white rice for quinoa or brown rice and use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. You may need to add extra seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor.

2. Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

3. Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach are great additions. Just chop them small so they cook evenly.

4. What If My Rice is Still Hard After Cooking?

If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add ¼ cup of water or broth, cover the pot, and let it steam for an additional 5-10 minutes.

5. Can I Make It Spicier?

Yes! Add extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

6. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

7. Can I Use Instant Rice?

Yes, but reduce the amount of liquid and cooking time since instant rice cooks much faster than regular rice.

8. How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

9. What Sides Go Well with This Dish?

A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great accompaniments.

10. Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Of course! Just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes with Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and practical meal that’s perfect for busy households. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a hearty, stress-free dinner with minimal cleanup!