Looking for easy ground beef and rice recipes? Here are 30 cheap, filling dinners that turn a pound of beef and a cup of rice into a meal the whole family will eat.

Ground beef and rice might be the most reliable dinner combo in any kitchen. Both are cheap, both keep well, and together they go in a hundred directions.

This list covers cheesy casseroles, one-pan skillets and stuffed veggies, plus bowls inspired by Korea, Mexico, Greece, Japan, India and Lebanon.

Most of them are on the table in 30 minutes, and a lot of them use leftover rice, which makes them even faster.

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GROUND BEEF AND RICE RECIPES

1. Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Seasoned beef, tender rice and a thick layer of melted cheddar, all baked in one dish.

It’s the kind of casserole kids ask for again and again.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic and drain.
3. Stir in the rice, tomatoes, broth and spices and pour into a 9×13 dish.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Top with cheese and bake uncovered 10 more minutes.

2. Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Sweet and savory beef with garlic, ginger and soy, served over fluffy rice.

It takes 15 minutes and costs a fraction of takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp gochujang or sriracha
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and gochujang.
4. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until glossy.
5. Serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

The classic: bell peppers filled with beef, rice and tomato sauce, then topped with cheese.

They reheat beautifully for lunches.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, divided
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic and drain.
3. Stir in the rice, half the tomato sauce and the seasoning.
4. Fill the peppers, stand them in a baking dish and pour the rest of the sauce over.
5. Cover and bake 40 minutes, then add cheese and bake 10 more.

4. One-Pot Taco Rice Skillet

Everything you love about tacos, cooked in one skillet with the rice right in it.

Top with sour cream, salsa and crushed tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup corn
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet and drain.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning, rice, tomatoes, broth and corn.
3. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and let it rest 5 minutes.
5. Top with cheese, cover until melted and add your favorite toppings.

5. Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowls

A budget-friendly take on the takeout favorite, made with ground beef instead of steak.

The sauce is thick, garlicky and a little sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the broccoli and a splash of water, cover and steam 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar and cornstarch slurry until thickened.
5. Serve over rice.

6. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

All the flavor of cabbage rolls without the rolling, ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s low effort, cozy and very budget friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion in a deep skillet and drain.
2. Add the garlic and cabbage and cook 5 minutes until wilted.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, sauce, rice, broth and paprika.
4. Cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Season and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

7. Ground Beef Fried Rice

A quick way to use leftover rice: crispy beef, eggs and veggies tossed in soy sauce.

It comes together faster than delivery.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet until crispy and push it to the side.
2. Scramble the eggs in the empty space.
3. Add the garlic and vegetables and cook 2 minutes.
4. Add the rice and soy sauce and stir-fry 4 minutes over high heat.
5. Finish with sesame oil and green onions.

8. Mexican Beef and Rice Burrito Bowls

Taco-seasoned beef, cilantro lime rice, beans and all the toppings in one bowl.

Set it up as a bar and let everyone build their own.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 can black beans, warmed
• 1 cup corn
• Salsa, avocado, cheese and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef, drain and stir in the taco seasoning with 1/2 cup water.
2. Simmer until thickened.
3. Toss the warm rice with lime juice and cilantro.
4. Divide the rice, beef, beans and corn into bowls.
5. Top with salsa, avocado, cheese and sour cream.

9. Hamburger Rice Soup

A hearty tomato and vegetable soup with ground beef and rice.

It’s a cheap way to feed a crowd on a cold night.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup green beans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add the carrots, celery and garlic and cook 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, rice and seasoning.
4. Simmer 20 minutes.
5. Add the green beans and cook 5 more minutes.

10. Porcupine Meatballs

Old-fashioned meatballs with rice mixed in, which pokes out as they cook like little quills.

They simmer in a sweet tomato sauce until tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, rice, onion, egg, salt and garlic powder.
2. Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
3. Whisk the tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire and sugar in a deep skillet and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the meatballs, cover and simmer 45 minutes, turning once.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.

11. Ground Beef Stroganoff over Rice

Creamy mushroom sauce and tender beef spooned over rice instead of egg noodles.

It’s rich, comforting and ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion and garlic and cook 6 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir 1 minute.
4. Add the broth and Worcestershire and simmer until thickened.
5. Turn off the heat, stir in the sour cream and serve over rice.

12. Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

All the flavors of a cheeseburger in one creamy, cheesy pan of rice.

Pickles and diced tomatoes on top make it.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• Diced pickles and tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion and drain.
2. Stir in the rice, broth, ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire.
3. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 18 minutes.
4. Rest 5 minutes, then stir in half the cheese.
5. Top with the rest of the cheese, pickles and tomatoes.

13. Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

Layers of beef, rice, beans and enchilada sauce baked under melted cheese.

It’s all the flavor of enchiladas with no rolling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• Cilantro and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the beef and onion and drain.
3. Stir in the enchilada sauce, beans, corn and rice.
4. Spread in a baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Bake 20 minutes and serve with cilantro and sour cream.

14. Mongolian Ground Beef and Rice

Sticky, sweet and savory beef with lots of green onions, inspired by the restaurant favorite.

It’s a 20-minute dinner that tastes like takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
3. Whisk the soy sauce, sugar, water, cornstarch and pepper flakes and pour in.
4. Simmer until thick and sticky, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the green onions and serve over rice.

15. Greek Ground Beef and Rice Bowls with Tzatziki

Lemony, oregano-spiced beef over rice with cucumber, tomato, feta and cool tzatziki.

It’s fresh, filling and great for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 lemon
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1 cup tzatziki
• Kalamata olives and red onion

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the garlic, oregano and cumin and drain.
2. Squeeze in half the lemon.
3. Toss the rice with the rest of the lemon juice.
4. Divide the rice and beef into bowls.
5. Top with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olives, onion and tzatziki.

16. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

A Cajun-style one-pot rice loaded with beef, peppers, onion and celery.

It’s smoky and spicy and works as a main or a side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a large pot and drain.
2. Add the onion, pepper and celery and cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning and rice for 1 minute.
4. Add the broth, cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes.
5. Fluff and top with green onions.

17. Beef and Rice Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Hollowed-out zucchini filled with seasoned beef, rice and marinara, then baked until bubbly.

A great way to use up summer zucchini.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and scoop out the zucchini centers, leaving a thin shell.
2. Chop the scooped flesh and brown it with the beef, onion and garlic, then drain.
3. Stir in the rice, marinara and seasoning.
4. Fill the zucchini boats and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until tender and golden.

18. Ground Beef Curry with Rice

A warm, mildly spiced curry with beef, potatoes and peas in a thick tomato sauce.

Spoon it over basmati rice with a little yogurt on top.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 potato, diced small
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 cups cooked basmati rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, potato and water.
4. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until the potato is tender.
5. Add the peas, cook 3 minutes and serve over rice.

19. Philly Cheesesteak Rice Skillet

Peppers, onions, beef and melty provolone, all cooked in one pan with rice.

It’s the cheesesteak flavor without the bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 slices provolone

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the onion, pepper and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice, broth and Worcestershire.
4. Cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes.
5. Lay the provolone on top, cover until melted and serve.

20. Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

Tomatoey, cumin-spiced rice cooked with beef and peppers in one skillet.

Toasting the rice first gives it the best flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef, drain and set aside.
2. Toast the rice in oil until golden, about 4 minutes.
3. Add the onion, pepper and garlic and cook 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the beef, tomato sauce, broth and spices.
5. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, then fluff.

21. Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls

A simple homemade teriyaki sauce coats the beef and veggies, so you know exactly what’s in it.

These are great for weekly meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced thin
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the broccoli and carrot with a splash of water, cover and steam 3 minutes.
3. Whisk the soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic and cornstarch slurry.
4. Pour over the beef and simmer until thick and glossy.
5. Serve over rice with sesame seeds.

22. Crock Pot Beef and Rice Casserole

An Italian-style beef, rice and tomato casserole that cooks itself in the slow cooker.

Converted rice holds its shape best here.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup converted (parboiled) rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add the beef to a greased slow cooker with the rice, tomatoes, sauce, broth, pepper and seasoning.
3. Stir, cover and cook on low 3 to 4 hours until the rice is tender.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
5. Cover 10 minutes until melted.

💡 Tip: Avoid long cook times on high, because the rice can turn mushy. Low and slow is the way to go.

23. Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Big ripe tomatoes filled with herby beef and rice and baked until soft and juicy.

The scooped-out tomato pulp goes right into the filling.

Ingredients:

• 6 large firm tomatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp.
2. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic and drain.
3. Chop the tomato pulp and stir it in with the rice, parsley and oregano.
4. Fill the tomatoes, top with feta and drizzle with oil.
5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.

24. Instant Pot Beef and Rice

Beef, rice and vegetables cooked together in the pressure cooker in under 30 minutes.

Rinsing the rice helps avoid the burn notice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic on the saute setting and drain.
2. Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom clean.
3. Add the rice, vegetables, soy sauce and paprika without stirring.
4. Pressure cook on high 5 minutes, then natural release 10 minutes.
5. Fluff and serve.

25. Sloppy Joe Rice Bowls

Sweet, tangy sloppy joe filling spooned over rice instead of buns.

It’s less messy and just as good.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups cooked rice
• Shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and pepper and drain.
2. Stir in the ketchup, sugar, mustard and Worcestershire.
3. Simmer 10 minutes until thick.
4. Spoon over rice.
5. Top with shredded cheddar.

26. Beef and Black Bean Rice Skillet

A cheesy Tex-Mex skillet with beef, black beans, salsa and rice.

It’s a hearty one-pan meal with plenty of fiber and protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion with the spices and drain.
2. Stir in the rice, salsa and broth.
3. Cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the beans and heat through.
5. Top with cheese and cover until melted.

27. Middle Eastern Hashweh (Spiced Beef and Rice)

A Lebanese favorite: rice cooked with cinnamon and allspice-spiced beef, topped with toasted nuts.

It’s a beautiful dish for family dinners and holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain or basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup mixed pine nuts and slivered almonds
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and onion with the spices.
2. Stir in the rice and toast 2 minutes.
3. Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low 18 minutes.
4. Toast the nuts in butter until golden.
5. Fluff the rice, top with the nuts and parsley, and serve with yogurt.

28. Ground Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

Creamy mushroom sauce, beef and rice baked together into a comforting casserole.

It’s an easy dump-and-bake dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the beef with the onion and mushrooms and drain.
3. Stir in the rice, soup, broth and garlic powder and pour into a baking dish.
4. Cover tightly and bake 1 hour.
5. Top with cheese and bake uncovered 10 minutes.

29. Beef Bibimbap Bowls

Korean mixed rice bowls with savory beef, sautéed veggies and a runny fried egg.

Stir it all together with the spicy sauce before eating.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 4 eggs
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 tbsp gochujang mixed with 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the garlic, soy sauce and sugar.
2. Quickly sauté each vegetable separately in a little sesame oil.
3. Fry the eggs sunny side up.
4. Arrange the rice, beef and vegetables in bowls and top with an egg.
5. Drizzle with the gochujang sauce.

30. Hamburger Gravy over Rice

An old-fashioned diner classic: savory beef in a rich brown gravy over a pile of rice.

It’s one of the cheapest, coziest dinners you can make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add the butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in the flour and stir 2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring.
4. Add the Worcestershire and garlic powder and simmer until thick.
5. Spoon over hot rice.

⚠️ Budget Note: This whole dinner costs about $8 and feeds 4 to 5 people.

If you only try one recipe from this list, start with the one-pot taco rice skillet, because it’s fast, cheap and there’s only one pan to wash.

Then give the Korean beef bowls or the hashweh a try when you want something a little different.