What to Make With Ground Beef and Onions Tonight
A versatile foundation that transforms into countless satisfying dinners with rice and peppers.
Ground beef and onions are the backbone of countless weeknight dinners—they're affordable, forgiving, and deeply flavorful when treated right. Add rice and peppers to the mix, and you've got the makings of something genuinely good. Whether you're after something quick, comforting, or somewhere in between, these four ingredients can take you there.
One-Pot Beef and Rice Skillet
A quick and satisfying one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef with bell peppers, onions, and rice for a complete dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onions and peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir to coat with the oil and meat mixture, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Use more peppers and onions relative to beef, skip excess oil, and serve over a bed of white or brown rice to let the vegetables shine. A squeeze of lemon or hot sauce at the table keeps things bright.
Hearty Option
Brown the beef thoroughly, caramelize the onions low and slow, and top generously with cheese or fresh herbs. Serve over rice cooked in broth for deeper flavor.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms for a plant-based version that's equally satisfying. The onions and peppers remain the flavor powerhouses.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Ground lamb or turkey
- Crumbled tofu or tempeh
- Cooked lentils or beans
- Ground pork
- Mushrooms (finely chopped)
Carb Substitutes
- Quinoa
- Farro or barley
- Pasta or noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Couscous
Flavor Boosters
- Garlic and ginger
- Cumin and coriander
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Tomato paste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- A splash of vinegar or citrus
Common Questions
Should I cook the onions and peppers separately from the beef?
You can do either. Cooking them together saves a pan and melds the flavors, but sautéing peppers and onions first, then adding beef, gives you more control over texture if you prefer them softer or more caramelized.
What's the best way to brown ground beef without it getting tough?
Use medium-high heat, don't stir constantly (let it sit for a minute or two between stirs to develop color), and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let it rest off heat if you've finished cooking early.
Can I prep these ingredients ahead of time?
Yes. Chop onions and peppers the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Brown the beef ahead too, and reheat gently when ready to combine everything with cooked rice.