Easy Ground Beef Rice and Beans (Hamburger Beans and Rice)
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If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to my Ground Beef Rice and Beans. This simple one-skillet meal is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, combining tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beans with fluffy rice for a dish that’s filling, budget-friendly, and beginner-approved. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress.
It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and customizable.
If you’re a fan of quick one-pan meals, you might also love my Taco Rice Bowls or 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes.
They’re perfect for when you want to switch things up but still keep dinner simple and delicious.
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a simple recipe that’s packed with flavor.
I love how easy this dish is to prepare – it comes together in just one skillet, which is a huge win for cleanup!
The combination of rich ground beef, the fiery kick of jalapenos, and hearty beans really brings the dish to life.
Plus, it’s so customizable.
Like it extra spicy? Add more jalapenos. Want it creamier? Top it with a dollop of sour cream.
Every time I make it, I can tweak it a little to suit my mood.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Lean Ground Beef: The base of this dish, providing hearty protein and flavor. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Adds tanginess and a bit of heat. If you prefer it milder, use plain diced tomatoes.
- Water: Helps cook the rice and brings everything together.
- Sliced Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color. If you don’t have green onions, diced yellow or white onions work too.
- Instant White Rice: Makes this recipe quick and easy. You can substitute with instant brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
- Ranch Style Pinto Beans with Sliced Jalapenos: Brings spice and creaminess to the dish. If you can’t find this specific variety, use regular Ranch Style Beans and add diced jalapenos.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together.
How to Make Ground Beef Rice and Beans
This recipe comes together quickly and easily.
Here’s how to do it:
Easy Tips for Success
- Drain the Beef: Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy dish.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you’re cooking for kids, use mild diced tomatoes and regular beans. For spice lovers, add extra jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the skillet stand covered ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Scoop it into tortillas for an easy burrito filling or serve with tortilla chips for a fun nacho-style dinner.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese after fluffing the rice for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Southwest Style: Add a can of corn and a teaspoon of cumin for a Southwest-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is written for instant white rice because it cooks quickly and absorbs the liquid perfectly in the resting step. If you use regular long-grain rice, you’ll need to increase the liquid and cook time since traditional rice takes longer to soften. For best results and the easiest preparation, stick with instant rice.
Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the Ranch Style Pinto Beans with Jalapeños for regular Ranch Style Pinto Beans and skip the extra jalapeños. You can also use mild Rotel instead of the original version to reduce heat.
Absolutely. Ground Beef Rice and Beans reheats very well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep the rice from drying out.
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top also adds extra flavor.
Yes. While Ranch Style Pinto Beans add flavor and seasoning, you can substitute plain pinto beans, black beans, or even kidney beans. Just keep them undrained for best texture and flavor.
Definitely. Ground beef, rice, and canned beans are affordable pantry staples, making this an easy and budget-conscious dinner that feeds a family without a lot of extra cost.
This Ground Beef Rice and Beans recipe is a keeper for so many reasons.
It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own—leave a comment below with your favorite twists and additions!
Ground Beef Rice and Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 ½ cups instant white rice, uncooked
- 15 oz can Ranch Style Pinto Beans with Sliced Jalapenos, undrained
- 1 tsp salt
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain well.
- To the beef in the skillet, add undrained tomatoes, water, salt, and onions. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the rice, undrained beans with jalapenos until thoroughly mixed; cover.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Let stand for 10 minutes with the lid on. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
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I just made this Easy Ground Beef Rice and Beans recipe, and it was a hit with my family! So easy to follow, and the flavors were fantastic. I love how it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. Definitely adding this to our regular rotation! Thanks for sharing!
Made per recipe EXCEPT I used beef broth in place of water and mixed in some grated cheddar cheese before it sat for 10 minutes. Have made this several times and the recipe is consistent. This is great for when dinner has to be done in 30 minutes. Everyone loves it and saves some for their lunch the next day. Def a winner!