One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables: Easy & Hearty Meal
One-pot meals have long been a cornerstone of home cooking, dating back to ancient times when efficiency and resourcefulness were key. Whether it was clay pots buried in the ground, cast iron kettles over hearth fires, or large communal cauldrons, cooks across cultures found that combining ingredients in a single vessel created meals that were both practical and deeply flavorful. From Caribbean one-pot rice dishes to Indian dals and French pot-au-feu, this method allowed families to stretch ingredients, save time, and savor comfort in every bite. Today, one-pot meals continue to shine, bringing ease, warmth, and tradition to modern kitchens.
One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables
Want a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to clean up and full of flavor?
This One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice with Vegetables is your perfect solution! Made with lean beef, colorful vegetables, tender rice, and a touch of paprika, it’s a complete, no-fuss meal that comes together in one pot. Packed with comfort, nutrition, and just the right amount of seasoning, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need something satisfying and fast.
Ingredients for One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables.
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, any color, cubed
3 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 small carrots, diced
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 cups water
How to make One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables
In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Ground beef cooking over medium heat.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear (optional but recommended to remove excess starch and improve texture). Drain well.
Add the remaining ingredients including the rice to the pot. Stir until everything is well combined.
All remaining ingredients along with rinsed rice are added to the pot.
Cover and cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
The beef, rice, and vegetables cook over medium heat and brought to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors are well blended.
The dish will have a creamy, stew-like texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, as you may want to add a little more salt to suit your preference.
The dish has a creamy texture.
Serve warm and enjoy!
THE RECIPE
One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables
One-pot meals have been warming hearts (and bellies) for centuries! Long before fancy kitchen gadgets, people around the world were simmering stews over open fires, tossing everything into a single pot for a meal that was simple, satisfying, and full of love. From bubbling tagines in Morocco to rustic European soups and hearty Asian rice dishes, the one-pot method was born out of practicality, and perfected by generations of home cooks. Today, it’s still our go-to for cozy, no-fuss cooking with flavors that come together like magic.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, any color, cubed
- 3 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 small carrots, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear (optional but recommended to remove excess starch and improve texture). Drain well.
- Add the remaining ingredients including the rice to the pot. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors are well blended.
- The dish will have a creamy, stew-like texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, as you may want to add a little more salt to suit your preference.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
160Fat
3 gCarbs
21 gProtein
8 gFrequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. Just keep in mind they have a milder flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly.
Q. Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the pot?
No need to pre-cook the rice. It cooks right in the pot with the rest of the ingredients, absorbing flavor and saving time.
Q. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the water and extend the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness before serving.
Q. What other vegetables can I add or swap in?
This recipe is flexible! You can add corn, zucchini, spinach, or green beans. Use what you have on hand and adjust the cooking times as needed.
Q. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Stir occasionally during cooking and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Using a heavy-bottomed pot also helps distribute heat evenly.
Q. How long do leftovers last and can I freeze them?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Easy to make, satisfying to eat, the One-Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables dish is comfort food made simple, perfect for any night of the week.
Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,
Founder of HealthWealth
Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.
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