Name: Beef and Mushroom Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 1 white onion, diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 3 ½ cups beef broth

A hearty one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef, tender mushrooms, sautéed onions, and seasoned rice, all simmered in beef broth. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a filling and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings comfort to your table with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Mushroom Rice Skillet is a weeknight dinner game-changer. The combination of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. With just one skillet needed, you’ll appreciate the quick preparation and easy cleanup. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate ingredient swaps based on what you have on hand, and it’s perfect for meal prep—the flavors actually improve overnight! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this skillet dish delivers comforting flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this skillet meal. It adds rich flavor while keeping the dish satisfying and filling. Lean ground beef (85/15) works best for this recipe, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

Butter adds richness to the dish and helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection. The slight saltiness complements the earthiness of the mushrooms beautifully.

Baby bella mushrooms bring an earthy depth and meaty texture to the skillet. Their robust flavor intensifies as they cook, creating a delicious umami element. You can substitute white button mushrooms if that’s what you have available.

White onion provides aromatic sweetness that forms the flavor foundation of many great dishes, including this one. As it cooks, it becomes tender and adds subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Long-grain white rice serves as the starchy base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors in the dish. It remains separate and fluffy when cooked, unlike short-grain varieties that might become too sticky for this application.

Garlic powder infuses the dish with garlic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic. It distributes evenly throughout the skillet for consistent flavor in every bite.

Onion powder intensifies the onion flavor while adding depth to the dish. It works in harmony with the fresh onion for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Cajun seasoning brings a spicy, savory kick to the dish with its blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this skillet meal from good to great.

Beef broth forms the flavorful cooking liquid that the rice absorbs. It infuses every grain with savory goodness while creating the perfect consistency. You can use store-bought or homemade broth depending on what’s convenient.

Directions

Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Sauté for about 8 minutes until softened.
Toast the Rice:
Stir in the rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.
Add Broth and Beef:
Pour in the beef broth and add the cooked ground beef. Turn the heat up to high, stirring to combine.
Simmer:
Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This Beef and Mushroom Rice Skillet recipe makes 5 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories. The dish comes together in just 45 minutes total, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but satisfying enough for weekend meals when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrition.

Cheese Topping: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the final minutes of cooking for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Italian Twist: Substitute Italian seasoning for the Cajun seasoning, use ground Italian sausage instead of beef, and add a can of diced tomatoes for an Italian-inspired version.

Tex-Mex Style: Use taco seasoning instead of Cajun, add a can of black beans, corn, and top with avocado and cilantro for a Tex-Mex variation.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Wild Rice Blend: Substitute a wild rice blend for the white rice for added texture and nutty flavor (note that cooking time may increase).

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing: This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: Add a splash of beef broth or water to the leftovers and heat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Microwave Reheating: For individual portions, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Meal Prep Tips: Divide into portion-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes about 45 minutes to cook instead of 20-25 minutes. Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and plan to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes longer.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a simple substitute by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Alternatively, Italian seasoning or even just salt and pepper will still yield a delicious, though differently flavored, result.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and many people find the flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator. Prepare it up to two days in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A large (12-inch) skillet with a tight-fitting lid works best. Cast iron is excellent for heat retention and even cooking, but any large skillet with high sides will work well. Make sure it’s deep enough to accommodate all ingredients without overflowing.

Can I add vegetables to make this a more complete meal?

Yes! Green peas, diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like bell peppers along with the mushrooms and onions. For quicker-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in carbs?

For a lower-carb version, reduce the rice to 1/2 cup and add more vegetables like riced cauliflower. You’ll also want to reduce the broth accordingly, using about 2 cups instead of 3 1/2.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

While this is a complete meal on its own, a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread make excellent sides. For a heartier meal, serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter when sautéing the vegetables to maintain richness.

Why is my rice still crunchy after the recommended cooking time?

Several factors could cause undercooked rice: the heat might be too low, the lid might not be tight enough allowing steam to escape, or your skillet might be too large, spreading the liquid too thin. Make sure your skillet is properly covered and add an additional 1/4 cup of broth if needed, cooking for 5-10 minutes longer.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a very large skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume. Alternatively, consider using two separate skillets to ensure even cooking. The cooking time should remain roughly the same.

Conclusion

This Beef and Mushroom Rice Skillet epitomizes comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients transformed into a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this one-pot wonder lies in its versatility and ease; it’s a recipe you can turn to on busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. The combination of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly seasoned rice creates layers of flavor that belie the dish’s straightforward preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this skillet meal delivers hearty portions and delicious leftovers. Make it your own by trying some of the suggested variations, and discover why this humble skillet dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. From its quick preparation to its soul-satisfying results, this is truly home cooking at its best.