One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice

Name: One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Soul Food Bliss

I absolutely love making One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice for dinner. The incredible aroma fills my kitchen, making it a hit with my family. Cooking everything in one pot not only saves time on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The juicy beef, vibrant tomatoes, and perfectly cooked rice create a comforting meal that warms the soul. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Truly, this recipe is a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:09:36.491Z

When I first tried making One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice, I was amazed at how deliciously everything came together. The beef becomes tender while cooking with the tomatoes, resulting in a rich mixture that's both savory and satisfying. I found that using rice that absorbs flavors well, like basmati, elevates the dish and ensures every grain is packed with taste.

One tip I stumbled upon was letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This simple step allows the flavors to intensify and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid. I always make sure to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Satisfying blend of spices that perfectly complements the beef
Minimal cleanup with just one pot needed
Easily customizable with your choice of vegetables

A Symphony of Flavors

The balance of flavors in One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice is what makes it irresistible. The ground beef provides a hearty, satisfying base, while the diced tomatoes introduce a natural sweetness and acidity that brightens the dish. I recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes, as they tend to be sweeter and more flavorful than their fresh counterparts, particularly in out-of-season months.

Spices play a crucial role in elevating this dish. Paprika brings warmth and a subtle smokiness, while dried oregano has a fragrant, earthy quality that complements the beef beautifully. Feel free to adjust these spices to your liking; for a kick of heat, you might consider adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Achieving the right texture for both the beef and rice is essential. When browning the ground beef, ensure the heat is medium-high; letting it sear a bit gives it a deeper flavor. Watch for the meat to turn brown and less pink, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break it up into smaller pieces, so no clumps remain, allowing for even cooking.

Once the rice is added, it's critical to stir the mixture well before introducing the beef broth. This ensures that each grain of rice is well-coated in the sauce's flavorings, contributes to a richer taste, and prevents sticking. If you find that your rice isn't cooking evenly, it may be due to inadequate broth or too high a heat, so adjust as needed.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, cooking until the beef is browned.

Add Rice and Tomatoes

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the rice and diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine, ensuring the rice is coated in flavors.

Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquids.

Rest and Serve

After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes, covered, to let the flavors meld. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for additional nutrition and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice recipe is its adaptability. If you're seeking to lighten the dish, consider replacing the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These leaner options require very little adjustment in cooking time but will yield a similar texture. Alternatively, if you're aiming for a vegetarian option, replace the meat with black beans or lentils, and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.

Similarly, if tomatoes are out of season, you can use tomato sauce instead. Just reduce the amount of broth slightly to prevent the dish from becoming too soupy. Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies can also add a wonderful layer of flavor if you prefer a bit of spice in your meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One Pot Beef And Tomato Rice is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating is simple; just warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

If you want to prepare it in advance, consider cooking the beef mixture first and then letting it cool before adding the rice and broth. This way, you can quickly finish the dish when you’re ready to serve, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when needed.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth, it can be made gluten-free.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is excellent on its own but pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread.