Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring ground beef, black beans, and rice. This savory, high-protein meal is ready in 30 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cans (15oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Optional: Corn, bell peppers, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, measure spices, and rinse/drain beans and tomatoes.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into crumbles. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired.
- Sauté aromatics: Push beef to the side or remove temporarily. Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft (2-3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Build the skillet: Add taco seasoning and cumin to the beef/onion mixture. Stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add uncooked rice, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt.
- Serve: Fluff with a fork. Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro, lime, and optional toppings like sour cream.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Do not lift the lid while simmering rice. If rice is crunchy, add 1/4 cup water and cook 5 more minutes. For a lighter version, swap beef for turkey or chicken. To make dairy-free, skip cheese or use vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 28
Keywords: ground beef skillet, one pan dinner, high protein, quick weeknight meals, black beans and rice, family friendly, budget meals