4 Quick and Easy Beef and Rice Recipes

For many of us, juggling work, school, or other demanding activities leaves us with no time for elaborate meals, long preparation times, and complex cooking steps. Fortunately, plenty of recipes can cater to your busy schedule without compromising on taste or nutritional value. We have four beef and rice recipes that are hearty, filling, easy to make, and satisfying. You can choose between a stir-fry, casserole, stuffed peppers, and fried rice– whatever you pick, you’ll definitely enjoy it! 

One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is a go-to meal for busy families, and this one-pot wonder is a game-changer. Packed with lean beef, colorful vegetables, and fragrant rice, it’s a balanced option that comes together beautifully in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean beef strips
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 3 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp of grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips to the skillet and cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute (or until they become translucent)
4. Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet and pour soy sauce over the mixture. Stir well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal!

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, and it’s easy to see why with this cheesy beef and rice casserole dish. With minimal prep, you can have a hearty and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 cup of uncooked rice
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp of chili powder
• 1 tsp of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onions together over medium heat in a skillet.
3. Cook your cup of rice in a rice cooker (according to package instructions), or boil your rice until soft.
4. Mix the cooked beef/onions, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 
8. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are an extremely versatile dish. You can make a seemingly endless amount of flavor and filling combinations. This beef and rice version is easy to prepare and a visually appealing (and fun) way to incorporate veggies into your family’s diet.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of salsa (the spice level is up to you)
• 1 tsp of cumin
• 1 tsp of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for topping
• Optional: Sour cream, avocado, or guacamole (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
3. Cook your cup of rice in a rice cooker (according to package instructions), or boil your rice until soft.
4. Combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
5. Stir until all elements are evenly distributed.
6. Place the halved bell peppers in a greased baking dish and stuff them with the beef and rice mixture.
7. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
9. Serve these colorful stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.

Beef Fried Rice

When you think of beef and rice recipes, beef fried rice is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Fried rice is a classic that never fails to please, and this beef version is quick and customizable. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of thinly sliced beef
• 4 cups of cooked and chilled rice (preferably refrigerated overnight)
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 3 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves 
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced beef and cook until browned.
3. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add minced garlic to the other side, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Push the garlic to the side with the beef, pour the beaten eggs into the pan, and scramble.
5. Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they are tender.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
7. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce.
8. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed within the rice.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.