One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies: A Simple, Hearty Meal for the Whole Family

Looking for a simple, yet satisfying dinner that’s packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, all made in one pot? One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies is the answer! This one-pot meal brings together perfectly seasoned beef, tender rice, and a mix of colorful vegetables for a wholesome meal that requires minimal cleanup. It’s an easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also customizable to suit various tastes. You can swap in different vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this one-pot meal is sure to impress! If you’re looking for other one-pot recipes, check out One-Pot Meals and Beef Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies | Quick, Flavorful, and Easy Meal

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes (for white rice) or 60 minutes (for brown rice)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender beef, seasoned rice, and a variety of vegetables all cooked together in one pot. This simple, one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights when you want a filling dinner without the hassle of multiple dishes. Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, it’s a great family meal that comes together quickly and clean-up is a breeze!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (or cubed beef stew meat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed veggies)
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 3 cups beef broth (or water, if preferred)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or cubed beef stew meat) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Cook the Vegetables:

• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
• Add the chopped bell pepper, diced carrot, and peas (or mixed veggies) to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Season the Dish:

• Stir in the cumin, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes (if using) and mix everything together.

Add the Rice and Broth:

• Add the rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the beef and vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer the Dish:

• Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes (for white rice) or 40 minutes (for brown rice), or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. If using brown rice, check halfway through to see if more broth or water is needed.

Fluff and Serve:

• Once the rice is cooked and tender, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

• Customizations: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of beef, or use cubed chicken breast or tofu for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like corn, zucchini, or green beans. Fresh veggies can be used in place of frozen.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
• One-pot tip: If your pot isn’t large enough, you can cook the beef and veggies separately in a skillet, then combine everything in the pot before simmering.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (for white rice) or 50 minutes (for brown rice)
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies Recipe

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the rice, paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and spices.
4. Simmer the Dish:
   • Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice), and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too often, as this can make the rice sticky.
5. Serve:
   • Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Advanced Techniques

1. Customize with Additional Veggies

Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables of your choice. Mushrooms, carrots, peas, or corn can easily be incorporated into this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for vegetables that require longer or shorter cooking times.

2. Use Brown Rice or Quinoa

For a healthier version, you can replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Both options provide additional fiber and nutrients. However, they may require more liquid and longer cooking time. If using brown rice, plan for an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time and increase the liquid to 2.5 cups.

3. Add Cheese for a Creamy Touch

For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the dish right after it’s done cooking. The cheese will melt and add a creamy, rich texture to the rice and beef mixture.

4. Spicy Variation

If you like your meals with a bit of heat, consider adding a finely chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. This will give your One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies is perfect for leftovers and can easily be stored for future meals.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
• Freezing: This dish also freezes well! Once the meal has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl, add a little water or broth, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Make it Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

2. Make it Vegan

To make this dish vegan, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, such as lentils, tempeh, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra veggies for more flavor and texture.

3. Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb version, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. This will keep the dish light while maintaining the flavorful combination of beef and vegetables. You can also use zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables as a substitute.

4. Dairy-Free

This recipe is dairy-free, but if you like a creamy texture, you can use dairy-free cheese or coconut milk to add a bit of creaminess without compromising the flavor.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. The cooking time will be the same, and it will still create a delicious and lighter dish.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together overnight, making it even more delicious. Just reheat before serving.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! If you like a bit of spice, try adding chili flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the dish. You can also serve it with a side of salsa for an extra kick.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies is a must-try recipe that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and easy to clean up. With the savory beef, aromatic spices, and healthy veggies, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping meal prep simple. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch up the vegetables and proteins based on what you have on hand.

This recipe is a great option for families, meal prep, or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, One Pot Rice with Beef and Veggies is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.