Ground beef and rice are two ingredients that are staples in many households. They are versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from casseroles to stir-fries. In this article, we will explore easy and delicious recipes that you can make using ground beef and rice. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight meal or impress your guests with a flavorful dinner, these recipes will not disappoint.
1. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them to the top. Place the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot and enjoy!
2. Beef and Rice Stir-fry
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are heated through.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine.
6. Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the beef and rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Remove from heat and serve the beef and rice stir-fry hot. You can garnish it with some chopped green onions if desired.
3. One-Pot Mexican Beef and Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn kernels, drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
5. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. You can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or cilantro if desired.
4. Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 1 can cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can cream of celery soup
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: crushed crackers or bread crumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, beef broth, and frozen peas and carrots. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. If desired, sprinkle crushed crackers or bread crumbs over the top for a crunchy texture.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish!
Conclusion
As you can see, ground beef and rice make a winning combination in various recipes. From stuffed bell peppers to flavorful stir-fries, one-pot Mexican dishes, and comforting casseroles, the possibilities are endless. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. So, the next time you find ground beef and rice in your pantry, try one of these recipes and savor the flavors that they bring to your table. Bon appétit!