Ground Beef and Rice: 20 Cheap Dinners You Can Eat All Week Without Getting Bored

Ground beef and rice might be the most budget-friendly dinner combo in America, and it is having a big moment online. One video about eating ground meat and rice every day passed 3.8 million views in less than a week, and readers keep telling us they want new ways to use the same two ingredients. Every recipe below uses both, so you can buy in bulk and never get bored. You will find skillets, bowls, bakes, a soup and a few vintage favorites, from Korean beef bowls to stuffed peppers and porcupine meatballs. Cook the beef to 160 F, and save leftover rice for fried rice. Which one will you make first..

One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Brown the beef, toast the rice in the fat for one minute, then add the broth. That small step makes cheap rice taste like it came from a restaurant, and it is the secret to this one-pot cheesy ground beef and rice. Everything cooks in a single skillet, the rice soaks up all the beefy flavor, and a blanket of melted cheddar goes on at the end. It is the dinner you will make on repeat. Ready to try it tonight..

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup long grain rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, salt and pepper, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onion and pepper and drain most of the fat. 2. Add the garlic, paprika and cumin. 3. Stir in the rice and toast 1 minute. 4. Add the broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil. 5. Cover and simmer on low 18 to 20 minutes. 6. Top with cheese, cover until melted and add green onions.

Beef Fried Rice, the Leftover Rice Rescue

Day-old rice and a half pound of ground beef make one of the fastest dinners on this list. Cold rice fries up with separate, slightly crispy grains instead of turning mushy. Brown the beef first, push it aside, scramble two eggs, then toss everything with soy sauce and peas. It is takeout at home for a few dollars. Looking for more ideas? See our fried rice dinners that use up day-old rice. Do you add peas and carrots or keep it simple?

You will need: 1/2 lb ground beef, 3 cups cold cooked rice, 2 eggs, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 3 green onions, 2 garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp oil.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef in oil and break it up, then add the garlic. 2. Push to the side and scramble the eggs. 3. Add the vegetables and cook 2 minutes. 4. Add the rice and break up any clumps. 5. Stir fry 3 to 4 minutes with the soy sauce. 6. Finish with sesame oil and green onions.

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls in 20 Minutes

This is the one people make again and again. Ground beef simmers in a sweet and savory sauce of soy, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil until it is sticky and glossy. Spoon it over hot rice and add whatever crunchy toppings you have: cucumbers, shredded carrots, spinach or a fried egg. It is cheaper and faster than takeout. Spicy or mild?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 4 cups cooked rice, green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber or carrots.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and drain the fat. 2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute. 3. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and pepper flakes. 4. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes until glossy. 5. Spoon over rice. 6. Top with vegetables, green onions and sesame seeds.

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers are the original ground beef and rice dinner, the kind grandma made on a Sunday. Brown the beef with onion, mix it with cooked rice and tomato sauce, pack it into halved peppers and bake under a blanket of cheese. Each pepper is its own little dinner, so they are easy to portion and freeze. Green, red or yellow peppers?

You will need: 4 large bell peppers, 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves, 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F. 2. Halve and seed the peppers and place in a baking dish. 3. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic and drain. 4. Stir in the rice, half the tomato sauce and the seasoning. 5. Fill the peppers and pour the rest of the sauce around them. 6. Cover and bake 35 minutes, add cheese and bake 10 minutes more.

Ground Beef and Rice Taco Skillet

Taco night in one pan. Brown the beef with taco seasoning, then stir in uncooked rice, salsa and broth and let it all simmer together until the rice is tender and full of flavor. Top it with cheese, cover until it melts, and pile on lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips. The kids will think it is a treat. What is your must-have taco topping?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning, 1 cup long grain rice, 1 cup salsa, 1 3/4 cups beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained), 1 cup shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, tortilla chips.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef in a large skillet and drain. 2. Stir in the taco seasoning and rice for 1 minute. 3. Add the salsa, broth and beans and bring to a boil. 4. Cover and simmer on low 18 to 20 minutes. 5. Sprinkle with cheese, cover 2 minutes to melt. 6. Add toppings and serve.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Beef and Rice

Cabbage rolls are the old-world comfort food that grandmas from Poland to Ukraine to the American Midwest all made. Tender leaves wrap around a filling of beef, rice and onion, then simmer slowly in tomato sauce. They take a little time, but they freeze beautifully and taste even better the next day. Short on time? Chop the cabbage and make it as a skillet. Did your family make these?

You will need: 1 head green cabbage, 1 lb ground beef, 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 small onion (grated), 1 egg, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Boil the cabbage head 5 minutes and peel off 12 soft leaves. 2. Mix the beef, rice, onion, egg, paprika, salt and pepper. 3. Roll 1/3 cup of filling in each leaf. 4. Mix the tomatoes, sugar and lemon juice. 5. Layer the rolls in a pot or dish with the sauce. 6. Cover and simmer or bake at 350 F for 1 hour, until the beef reaches 160 F.

Cajun Dirty Rice

Dirty rice gets its name from the brown color the meat and spices give the rice. Traditional Louisiana versions use chicken livers, but plenty of home cooks make it with ground beef or a mix of beef and sausage. The Cajun holy trinity of onion, celery and bell pepper gives it real depth. Serve it as a main or next to fried chicken. Mild or full Cajun heat?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef (or half sausage), 1 onion, 1 celery rib, 1 green bell pepper (all diced), 3 garlic cloves, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 cup long grain rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 green onions, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and drain most of the fat. 2. Add the onion, celery and pepper and cook 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning and rice for 1 minute. 4. Add the broth and bring to a boil. 5. Cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes. 6. Fluff and stir in green onions and parsley.

Burrito Bowls Better Than the Chain

Skip the line and build your own burrito bowls at home for a fraction of the price. Season the beef with chili powder and cumin, cook a pot of cilantro lime rice, and set out black beans, corn, salsa, cheese and guacamole. Everyone builds their own bowl, so even picky eaters are happy. It is also a great ground beef and rice meal prep lunch. Do you add rice and beans or just rice?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, 1 1/2 cups cooked rice mixed with lime juice and cilantro, 1 can black beans, 1 cup corn, salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the spices and a splash of water. 2. Warm the beans and corn. 3. Stir lime juice and cilantro into the rice. 4. Divide the rice into bowls. 5. Top with beef, beans and corn. 6. Add salsa, cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

Porcupine Meatballs, a Vintage Ground Beef and Rice Favorite

Porcupine meatballs were a 1950s and 1960s family classic, and they are due for a comeback. Raw rice is mixed right into the meatballs, and as they simmer in tomato sauce the grains poke out like little quills. Kids loved the name back then and they still do. It is a full dinner of ground beef and rice in one pot. Did your mom make these?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp sugar.

How to make it: 1. Mix the beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. 3. Stir the tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire and sugar in a deep skillet. 4. Add the meatballs and bring to a simmer. 5. Cover and cook on low 45 minutes, turning once. 6. Check the rice is tender and the meatballs reach 160 F.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Over Rice

Beef and broccoli is a takeout favorite, and using ground beef makes it cheaper and faster than slicing steak. The sauce is a simple mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger thickened with a little cornstarch. Steam the broccoli right in the skillet so there is only one pan. Serve it over fluffy rice. Is this on your takeout order?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 4 cups broccoli florets, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, cooked rice, sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and drain. 2. Add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute. 3. Add the broccoli and 1/4 cup water, cover and steam 3 minutes. 4. Whisk the soy sauce, sugar, broth and cornstarch. 5. Pour in and simmer until thick. 6. Add sesame oil and serve over rice with sesame seeds.

Greek Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Season ground beef with oregano, garlic and lemon and it suddenly tastes like your favorite Greek restaurant. Serve it over rice with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta and a big spoonful of tzatziki. It is fresh, filling and perfect for meal prep. Try mixing a little lemon zest into the rice too. Would you add olives or skip them?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 2 tsp dried oregano, 3 garlic cloves, zest and juice of 1 lemon, salt and pepper, 3 cups cooked rice, 1 cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 red onion, Kalamata olives, feta, tzatziki.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. 3. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes and onion. 4. Divide the rice into bowls. 5. Add the beef and vegetables. 6. Top with olives, feta and tzatziki.

Cheesy Mexican Beef and Rice Bake

This casserole is dump-and-bake easy. Uncooked rice, seasoned browned beef, a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, beans and broth all go into one dish, then it bakes covered until the rice is tender. A layer of cheese goes on at the end. It feeds a family of six for very little money, the whole point of ground beef and rice. Do you like it with corn or without?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup long grain rice, 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, 1 cup corn, 2 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F. 2. Brown the beef with the taco seasoning. 3. Stir together the beef, rice, tomatoes, beans, corn and broth in a 9×13 dish. 4. Cover tightly with foil. 5. Bake 50 to 55 minutes until the rice is tender. 6. Add cheese and bake 5 minutes more, then top with green onions.

Ground Beef and Rice Soup for Cold Nights

Hamburger soup is one of those Depression-era recipes that stuck around because it is cheap, filling and cozy. Ground beef, rice, carrots, celery and tomatoes simmer in a tomato beef broth until everything is tender. One pot feeds a crowd, and it tastes even better the next day. Serve it with crackers or a grilled cheese. Does your family call it hamburger soup too?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs (all diced), 2 garlic cloves, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 6 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup long grain rice, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef in a large pot and drain. 2. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the garlic. 4. Add the tomatoes, broth, seasoning and bay leaf and bring to a boil. 5. Add the rice and simmer 20 minutes. 6. Remove the bay leaf and season.

Stuffed Zucchini With Beef and Rice

When the garden or the grocery store has big zucchini, stuff them. Round zucchini or long ones split into boats both work. Scoop out the middle, chop it, and cook it right into the beef and rice filling so nothing goes to waste. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the top is golden. It is a lighter way to enjoy ground beef and rice. Round or long zucchini?

You will need: 4 round zucchini (or 2 large zucchini halved), 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 cup cooked rice, 1/2 cup marinara, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F. 2. Hollow out the zucchini and chop the flesh. 3. Brown the beef with onion, garlic and chopped zucchini. 4. Stir in the rice, marinara and oregano. 5. Fill the zucchini and top with cheese. 6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until tender.

Loco Moco-Style Ground Beef and Rice Plate

In Hawaii, loco moco means a bed of rice, a beef patty, rich brown gravy and a fried egg on top. It is diner comfort food at its best. Shape ground beef into thin patties, cook them in a skillet, make a quick gravy in the same pan and slide a runny egg over everything. Some places add a side of beans or fries. Over easy or sunny side up?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef (shaped into 4 thin patties), salt and pepper, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 4 eggs, 4 cups cooked rice, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Season and cook the patties 3 to 4 minutes per side until they reach 160 F, then set aside. 2. Melt the butter in the pan and whisk in the flour. 3. Add the broth, soy sauce and Worcestershire and simmer until thick. 4. Fry the eggs. 5. Put rice on each plate and top with a patty and gravy. 6. Add an egg and green onions.

Japanese-Style Curry Rice With Beef

Japanese curry is mild, a little sweet and incredibly cozy, which is why kids love it. Store-bought curry roux blocks make it easy, but a homemade roux with curry powder works too. Ground beef cooks quickly, and potatoes and carrots make it hearty. Serve it beside a mound of rice. Have you tried Japanese curry?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), 2 potatoes (diced), 3 cups water, 1/2 box Japanese curry roux (or 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp curry powder), 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp honey, cooked rice.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and onion. 2. Add the carrots, potatoes and water and simmer 15 minutes. 3. Turn off the heat and stir in the curry roux until melted. 4. Add the ketchup and honey. 5. Simmer 5 minutes until thick. 6. Serve beside hot rice.

Mongolian Ground Beef

Sweet, salty and a little spicy, this ground beef version of a restaurant favorite is ready in 20 minutes. The sauce is soy, brown sugar, garlic and ginger, and lots of green onions go in at the end. Add sliced peppers or carrots if you want more color. Serve it over steamed rice and watch this ground beef and rice dinner disappear. Would your family pick this over takeout?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 carrot (julienned), 1 bunch green onions, cooked rice.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef until crispy in spots and drain. 2. Add the garlic, ginger, pepper and carrot for 2 minutes. 3. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar and pepper flakes. 4. Simmer 3 minutes until sticky. 5. Add the green onions. 6. Serve over rice.

Cuban-Style Picadillo With White Rice

Picadillo is a Latin American and Cuban home-cooking favorite: ground beef simmered with tomato, onion, peppers, olives and a few raisins for a sweet and salty bite. Potatoes and peas make it stretch even further. It is always served with white rice and often black beans. Every family has its own version of this ground beef and rice classic. Raisins: yes or no?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 1 potato (diced small), 1/2 cup peas, 1/4 cup sliced green olives, 2 tbsp raisins (optional), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, cooked white rice.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and drain. 2. Add the onion, pepper and garlic and cook 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the tomato sauce, potato, cumin, oregano and 1/2 cup water. 4. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. 5. Add the peas, olives and raisins and cook 5 minutes. 6. Serve with white rice.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This is the casserole that tastes like a hug. Ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup and sour cream are stirred together, topped with cheddar and baked until golden and bubbly. It is a church supper and potluck favorite that travels well. Add frozen broccoli or green beans for a one-dish meal. Is this the kind of dinner your family asks for?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, 3 cups cooked rice, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 2 cups frozen broccoli (optional), 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F. 2. Brown the beef and onion and drain. 3. Stir in the rice, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper and broccoli. 4. Spread in a greased 9×13 dish. 5. Top with cheddar. 6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Meal Prep: Cook Once, Eat Three Ways

Here is the trick that makes ground beef and rice work all week. On Sunday, brown 3 pounds of beef with onion and salt only, and cook a big pot of rice. Then season each portion differently: taco spices on Monday, soy and ginger on Wednesday, oregano and lemon on Friday. Cool it fast, refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days. The USDA says ground beef should be cooked to 160 F. Which three flavors would you pick?

You will need: 3 lb ground beef, 2 onions (diced), salt and pepper, 6 cups cooked rice, meal prep containers. Flavor packs: taco seasoning, soy sauce and ginger, oregano and lemon.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onions in batches until it reaches 160 F. 2. Drain and season lightly with salt and pepper. 3. Cook the rice. 4. Cool both quickly in shallow containers. 5. Divide into three portions and season each differently. 6. Refrigerate up to 4 days and reheat until steaming.