Zesty Beef and Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and flavorful Zesty Beef and Rice recipe! Featuring tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned long-grain white rice, this one-skillet dish packs bold flavors with a smoky blend of paprika, cumin, and chili powder. The splash of fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness that brings the dish to life, while the optional garnish of cilantro offers a fresh, herby finish. Ready in just 45 minutes and with minimal cleanup, this comforting recipe is perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Great for meal prepping or a quick dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir, toasting it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 8

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine, reheating it for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the juice of one lime for a refreshing, zesty kick.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1523.5 grams (1523.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1719

Total Fat 111.60g	143%
Saturated Fat 37.30g	186%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 4529mg	197%
Total Carbohydrate 93.80g	34%
Dietary Fiber 9.80g	35%
Total Sugars 15.90g
Protein 92.90g	186%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 189mg	15%
Iron 16mg	86%
Potassium 2422mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.4%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 21.4%