One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf
Tender ground beef simmered with aromatic spices and tomatoes in a single pot, combined with fluffy rice for a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups, rinsed long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 1/2 cups rinsed long grain white rice, 2 1/4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Rice Pilaf?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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