Meat Skillet Dinner
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for a quick family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, green pepper, and chopped onion in a large frypan until browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add canned tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Stir in uncooked rice.
- Cover and cook over low heat about 25 minutes until rice is tender, adding little water during cooking if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add diced carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition. If you like a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. This dish is versatile, and you can easily incorporate leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat skillet dinner with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Best Meat Loaf for a comforting family dinner. You can also top it with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor before serving. For a complete spread, consider adding a simple fruit salad as a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the skillet dinner to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave it in a covered bowl until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Skillet Dinner contains roughly 363 calories, with 15g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (296% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it requires a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust the amount of water and cooking duration accordingly, as brown rice typically needs about 40-45 minutes to cook through. You may want to add more water if necessary to ensure the rice is tender.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the skillet dinner a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit overnight.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meat skillet dinner is quite filling on its own, but it pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread for a comforting touch. For a refreshing contrast, consider a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables that add a nice crunch.
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).