Hamburger Skillet
A hearty and flavorful hamburger skillet dish featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a quick family dinner with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the rice slowly in hot oil in a heavy skillet, stirring frequently.
- Add diced onion, diced celery, and ground hamburger; cook until well browned.
- Pour off any excess fat.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the skillet and simmer until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For more flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers along with the onion and celery. If you want a healthier twist, substitute brown rice for white rice, as it takes longer to cook and will require additional liquid. You can also swap ground hamburger for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep the spices simple to allow the flavors of the tomatoes to shine through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Skillet hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes, enhancing your dinner experience with a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Skillet contains roughly 711 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant rice instead of uncooked rice?
While you can use instant rice, the cooking time will be significantly shorter. Add it after browning the hamburger and vegetables, and only simmer until the rice is tender. Be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly, as instant rice requires less liquid than uncooked rice.
What can I do if my rice isn't cooking properly?
If your rice isn't tender after the suggested simmering time, it may need more liquid. Add a bit of water or broth, cover the skillet, and continue to cook on low heat until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just add them along with the onions and celery so they cook properly. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).