16+ Ground Beef and Rice Recipes for Hearty Meals

Everyday moments in the kitchen can turn into real highlights when there’s ground beef and rice on hand. I remember the first time I opened the fridge after a long work day, eyes landing on some leftover cooked rice and a pack of ground beef—suddenly dinner wasn’t a puzzle, it was an easy adventure. Whether it’s spicy skillet meals on a busy weeknight, slow-cooked comfort food for Sunday dinner, or something you can tuck into lunchboxes, there’s a kind of magic in ground beef and rice recipes for hearty meals that always satisfy. The best part? There’s always a new way to dress them up or keep them simple.

1. Classic Beef and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the go-to dinner for so many families. It’s quick, it’s packed with flavor, and you only use one pan. Perfect for weeknights when you want something filling but fuss-free. Even picky eaters usually dig right in.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minutes.
3. Stir in uncooked rice, tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, paprika, herbs, and a big pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat, and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover and heat until melted, about 2 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

2. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Stuffed peppers are pure comfort food and great for feeding a group. Each pepper is its own tidy package, and you can easily make them ahead. They reheat beautifully for lunches, too.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice tops off peppers and remove seeds; brush with olive oil and set in a baking dish.
3. Cook beef and onion in a skillet until beef browns. Drain excess fat, then add garlic and cook 1 minutes longer.
4. Stir cooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper into skillet; heat through.
5. Spoon beef and rice mixture into hollowed peppers. Top each with mozzarella.
6. Cover dish with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake 10 more minutes until cheese browns.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Stuffed peppers keep well, so make extra for easy lunches.

3. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love It:

This has a nostalgic, family-style vibe and you can prep it in advance. It’s warm, filling, and just the thing you want when the weather cools off. Makes leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet; drain.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables, soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and rice. Heat through.
4. Transfer to greased baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake uncovered 40-45 minutes until bubbly.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Cover and chill unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to baking time if chilled.

4. Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

These customizable bowls are crowd-pleasers and perfect for busy families since everyone can build their own with favorite toppings. Fast, filling, and colorful.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
2. Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top each with beef.
3. Arrange beans, corn, tomato, and avocado around beef.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Serving Idea: Set out sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese for DIY toppings.

5. Hearty Beef and Mushroom Rice Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

This soup is wonderfully comforting—think of it as a meal in a bowl. It’s ideal for crisp evenings or those days when everyone needs a bit of warmth.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef with onions and carrots; drain.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook until softened, 4 minutes.
3. Stir in broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add rice, cover, and cook until rice and veggies are tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle parsley.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t add uncooked rice too early, or it will get mushy if overcooked.

6. Greek-Style Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love It:

These stuffed tomatoes are summery, light, and bring a Mediterranean flair. They make a beautiful centerpiece for brunch or lunch—delicious warm or at room temp.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 large tomatoes
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Lemon wedges to serve

How to Make It:

1. Slice tops off tomatoes, scoop out centers.
2. In a skillet, cook beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, herbs, a pinch of salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and feta.
4. Place tomato shells in a baking dish. Fill with beef mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil on top, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
6. Garnish with mint. Serve with lemon.

Swap This With That: Try ground lamb in place of beef for extra Mediterranean flavor.

7. Ground Beef, Rice, and Spinach Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This bake makes sneaking in extra greens easy—kids (and adults) love the creamy rice and beef, even if they’re not usually spinach fans.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook beef and onion in a skillet until beef browns. Add garlic; cook 1 minutes.
2. Stir in spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. In large bowl, mix rice, sour cream, and half of cheese.
4. Spread rice mixture in baking dish; top with beef spinach mix.
5. Cover with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbly.

Best Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or a crisp cucumber salad.

8. Asian-Inspired Beef Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Better than takeout, this quick stir-fry uses leftover rice and is endlessly adaptable. The sesame and soy flavors make it crave-worthy, and it works as lunch or dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice
• ½ pound ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in wok over medium heat. Brown beef, then remove and set aside.
2. Add garlic, peas, and carrots; stir-fry until softened.
3. Push veggies to side. Pour in eggs, scramble quickly.
4. Add rice and toss; return beef, drizzle with soy and oyster sauce, stir well.
5. Finish with sesame oil and green onions.

Flavor Boost: Add chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

9. Beef and Rice-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Why You’ll Love It:

A clever way to use summer zucchini, these boats are hearty yet light, and perfect for meal prepping. The melted cheese on top adds that comforting finish.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped chives for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise, scoop out centers.
3. Sauté beef and onion; drain.
4. Stir in rice, marinara, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Fill zucchini boats, top each with cheese.
6. Bake 30 minutes. Broil 2-3 more for browning.
7. Sprinkle with chives.

Meal Prep Tip: Zucchini boats freeze well—just reheat in the oven.

10. Cabbage Roll-Inspired Beef and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

All the flavor of classic cabbage rolls, none of the rolling. This one-pan wonder is a cozy way to get veggies and grains in at once.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Parsley and sour cream to serve

How to Make It:

1. Brown beef and onion in a large skillet.
2. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes. Stir in cabbage and paprika; sauté 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper; cover and simmer 25-30 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.
4. Garnish with parsley and a dollop of sour cream.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Resist lifting the lid before rice is cooked or you’ll lose steam and slow cooking.

11. Middle Eastern Spiced Beef & Rice Pilaf

Why You’ll Love It:

The aromatic spices make this pilaf a dinner-party favorite, and the toasted pine nuts on top give the perfect crunch. Makes a lovely stand-alone meal or a festive side.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ cup golden raisins
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice and soak 10 minutes; drain.
2. In large pan, cook beef and onion with cinnamon and cumin until browned.
3. Stir in drained rice, broth, raisins; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 18-20 minutes.
4. Fluff with fork. Top with pine nuts, parsley, and lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra depth.

12. Beef, Rice, and Green Bean Stew

Why You’ll Love It:

A full meal in a pot that’s especially nice for chilly days—this stew is hearty, economical, and stretches to feed a hungry crowd.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Sauté beef and onion in pot until browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minutes.
2. Stir in green beans, tomatoes, broth, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to simmer, add rice; cover and cook 30 minutes until everything is tender.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen green beans to save money and time.

13. Korean-Inspired Beef and Rice Bowls (Bibimbap-Style)

Why You’ll Love It:

Quickly sautéed beef, warm rice, and fresh veggies—these bowls are fun to eat and ready in a flash. Great way to eat the rainbow, even on a weeknight.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cucumber, sliced thin
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons gochujang or sriracha
• Sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Sauté beef in skillet with 1 tablespoon soy sauce; set aside.
2. Sauté spinach in same pan, drizzle with sesame oil.
3. Fry eggs.
4. Build bowls: rice on bottom, then beef, carrots, spinach, cucumber, egg on top.
5. Drizzle with gochujang, sprinkle sesame seeds.

Flavor Boost: Add quick-pickled veggies for tang.

14. Beefy Taco Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

All the comfort of Tex-Mex tacos in a simple, cheesy casserole. Great for potlucks, parties, or feeding teenagers.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown beef, then stir in taco seasoning, beans, salsa, and rice.
3. Spread mixture in baking dish, top with cheese.
4. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly.
5. Garnish with tomatoes and green onion.

Serving Idea: Scoop with tortilla chips or tuck into warm tortillas.

15. One-Pot Greek Lemon Beef and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright, lemony rice with savory beef brings vacation vibes to the dinner table. Plus, it comes together with only a handful of pantry ingredients.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make It:

1. Sauté beef and onion in olive oil; add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
2. Stir in rice, then pour in broth, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Bring to boil, cover, reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes.
4. Stir in feta, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Swap This With That: Try with ground turkey for a lighter twist.

16. Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

These bowls deliver takeout taste on a budget and come together in less than 30 minutes. Great for easy meal prep, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups steamed white rice
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender; set aside.
2. Brown beef in skillet, add garlic; cook 1 minutes.
3. Stir in soy, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer 2 minutes.
4. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water; stir in to thicken.
5. Serve beef over rice, arrange broccoli, sprinkle sesame seeds.

Meal Prep Tip: Store rice and toppings separately for maximum freshness.

17. Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Why You’ll Love It:

An old-fashioned classic that’s worth every minute—cabbage rolls are comfort food at its finest, great for family dinners and special occasions.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove cabbage core, boil whole head 5 minutes, cool and peel off leaves.
2. Mix beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg.
3. Spoon filling onto each leaf, roll up and place seam-side down in greased baking dish.
4. Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and brown sugar; pour over rolls.
5. Cover and bake 80–1 hours 30 minutes until very tender.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Personal Note: This was my grandmother’s special dish for Sunday dinners—always worth the extra steps.

18. Quick Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

Super fast and loaded with flavor, this skillet meal is fun with all your favorite taco toppings. It’s a Tuesday-night hero that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Cilantro and lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Brown the beef in skillet, add chili powder and cumin.
2. Stir in uncooked rice, salsa, corn, beans, and water (as per rice’s package directions). Bring to simmer, cover and cook 15–18 minutes.
3. Top with cheddar, cover until melted.
4. Scatter tomato, red onion, green onions, and cilantro over the top.

Best Pairings: Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, and a crisp lettuce salad.

19. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs with Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Meatballs get their quirky name from rice poking out—super fun for kids and a nostalgic treat for adults. The slow cooker does the work, making this a cozy, hands-off dinner.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Mix beef, rice, onion, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Form into meatballs.
2. Place in slow cooker, pour tomato sauce over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Serve topped with parsley, with extra rice if desired.

Meal Prep Tip: Meatballs freeze well—freeze in sauce for easy meals later.

FAQ

What’s the best kind of rice to use for ground beef and rice recipes?

Long-grain white rice is a great all-purpose option, but jasmine or basmati work well too. For bakes and casseroles, use what you have—just adjust liquid as needed. For fried rice, day-old rice gives the best texture.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Most ground beef and rice recipes can be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. Just watch cooking times to avoid drying out the leaner meats.

How can I meal prep ground beef and rice dishes for the week?

Store cooked rice and beef mixtures separately when possible—they keep better and reheat without getting mushy. Most casseroles and bakes also freeze beautifully in single portions.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

Many of these ground beef and rice recipes are well-loved by kids, especially the skillet meals, meatballs, or taco-inspired variations. Letting kids add their own toppings can get them excited about dinnertime.

Conclusion

When dinnertime needs to be hearty, easy, and satisfying, ground beef and rice recipes are a true kitchen staple. They stretch a pound of meat, pair with almost any spice you have, and adapt to what’s in your fridge that week. Whether you’re craving skillet comfort, bold international flavors, or slow-cooked classics, there’s something here for every busy night and every gathering. The real joy comes from making these recipes your own, so don’t be afraid to tweak, taste, and share them with friends and family. With ground beef and rice, you’re always just a few steps away from a meal everyone loves.