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Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe

Avatar photoByLauren
Jump to Recipe·5 from 104 reviews

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze—and the smoky, tangy barbecue sauce paired with tender beef and veggies will have your whole family asking for seconds. Whether you’re rushed on a weeknight or want something hearty without fuss, you’ll find that this dish hits the spot every time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and effort.
  • Deliciously Balanced: The savory BBQ sauce perfectly complements the tender beef and veggies.
  • Family Favorite: My kids actually ask for this recipe—bonus points for easy weeknight dinners!
  • Flexible Ingredients: You can swap veggies or tweak seasonings to suit what you have on hand.
This image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat mixed with rice and chopped vegetables in a black pan. The dish has a mix of brown from the meat and light tan from the rice as the main colors. There are small orange carrot cubes, green peas, and small green onion pieces scattered evenly throughout the dish, adding pops of bright color. A wooden spoon is scooping part of the mixture from the pan, with the spoon’s wood grain clearly visible. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice, BBQ Beef Skillet, Easy Beef and Rice Dinner, One-Pan BBQ Beef, Quick Family Dinner this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a lineup of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully for the Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe. Using lean ground beef keeps things light, and the BBQ sauce packs in that signature tangy-sweet flavor. I always recommend using day-old rice if you can—it makes your skillet mixture less mushy and way more enjoyable.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a pile of finely chopped sweet yellow onion, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick reddish-brown BBQ sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark Worcestershire sauce, a neat mound of fluffy cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant frozen peas and orange carrot cubes, a pinch of coarse salt crystals, a small heap of whole black peppercorns, and two whole green onions with bright green tops and white bottoms placed side by side, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice, BBQ Beef Skillet, Easy Beef and Rice Dinner, One-Pan BBQ Beef, Quick Family Dinner
  • Lean Ground Beef: Choose 90% lean or higher for less grease and healthier bites.
  • Sweet Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the beef and add natural sweetness.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced to pack a fragrant punch.
  • BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade variety for flavor control.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and depth—the little secret that keeps it juicy.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of umami complexity that lifts the entire dish.
  • Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice works best to soak up the sauce without getting soggy.
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots: Convenient and adds a pop of color and nutrition.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
  • Green Onions (Optional): Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe is super versatile—you can dress it up or down depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to get creative and make it truly your own!

  • Swap the Meat: I’ve tried this with ground turkey or chicken and it still tastes amazing—just adjust cooking times slightly.
  • Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
  • Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika if you like a bit of heat.
  • Go Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or steamed greens for a lighter option.

How to Make Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat—this is key to getting a good sear on the beef. Add your lean ground beef along with the finely chopped onions. As you cook, use a spoon to break the beef apart, aiming for small crumbles, so every bite is tender. Cook until everything is browned and the onions are soft, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If you notice a lot of grease collecting, don’t hesitate to drain it off now—that keeps your dish from feeling greasy.

Step 2: Garlic and Sauce Time

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute until you can smell that irresistible aroma. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it. Then pour in the BBQ sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly—this is where those rich, smoky flavors really meld. Turn the heat down slightly and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Mix in the Rice and Veggies

Now for the best part—the rice and veggies! Add your cooked rice (cold or day-old is great here), frozen peas and carrots, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so the rice is evenly coated with that tasty sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined. This is when the dish really comes together into a hearty meal.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild bite. Serve it right off the stove for best taste and texture. You’ll love how easy, flavorful, and satisfying this skillet dinner is.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and become mushy, but leftover rice remains fluffy and soaks up sauce better.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving the beef space to brown properly gives you better flavor and texture.
  • Simmer to Thicken: Letting the sauce reduce slightly concentrates the flavors and helps it cling to each grain of rice.
  • Keep an Eye on Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—add it last before the sauces to avoid bitterness.

How to Serve Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe

On a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface, there is a serving of fried rice mixed with ground meat, small green peas, finely chopped orange carrots, and bits of onions spread out in a loose mound in the lower half of the plate. Next to this, on the upper right side of the plate, is a neat pile of fresh green beans with a smooth texture. In the background, there are two small white bowls, one filled with red sauce and the other with green chopped scallions, slightly out of focus. Nearby, a pair of light wooden salt and pepper shakers stand upright. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice, BBQ Beef Skillet, Easy Beef and Rice Dinner, One-Pan BBQ Beef, Quick Family Dinner

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with freshly sliced green onions—they add a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor that lifts the whole meal. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra richness, especially when serving it to the kids. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime brightens it up too if you want a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

This skillet dinner is quite filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add some freshness and balance. A simple coleslaw with a tangy dressing also goes really well here, giving you a cool crunch alongside the warm flavors of the beef and rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner night, I’ve served this skillet BBQ beef and rice straight in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins. It feels special without extra work! You can also wrap it in warmed tortillas for a quick BBQ beef burrito twist. It’s surprisingly versatile for different occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making for a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner fix. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe before, and it thaws nicely. Pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months. Freezing is a great way to prep meals in advance.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer to warm leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. A quick 5–7 minutes is usually enough for even heating. You can also microwave it covered for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe?

    Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but keep in mind it has a firmer texture and longer cooking time if you’re using uncooked grains. If you’re using pre-cooked brown rice, just add it the same way as white rice and cook until heated through.

  2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

    Yes, definitely. This Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion it out and freeze in airtight containers. When reheating, add a bit of moisture and heat slowly to keep it from drying out.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    You can! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The BBQ sauce adds tons of flavor that your veggies or meat substitute will soak right up.

  4. What type of BBQ sauce is best to use?

    I recommend using a BBQ sauce that’s not too watery so it clings well to the beef and rice. Sweet and smoky varieties work best, but feel free to pick one that fits your flavor preference—mild, spicy, or tangy.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something quick, comforting, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of meal that pulls everyone to the table without a fuss, plus it’s forgiving and adaptable—perfect for busy nights or when you’re just craving that cozy BBQ flavor. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I have with my family. Give it a try, I promise you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation!

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Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 104 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Skillet BBQ Beef and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, savory BBQ sauce, and tender vegetables with fluffy cooked rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers comforting, hearty flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (cold or day-old)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped sweet onion. Cook while breaking apart the meat with a spoon until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from being too oily.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
  3. Incorporate Sauces and Broth: Pour in the BBQ sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to coat the beef evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes to meld flavors together and reduce slightly.
  4. Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked white rice, frozen peas and carrots, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined well.
  5. Heat Through: Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions, if desired, for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of color before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe is a quick and budget-friendly one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Using cold or day-old cooked rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
  • You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, especially if your BBQ sauce is already salty.
  • For a spicier twist, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 387 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 1061 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Avatar photo

Hey there! I’m Lauren Braiden—your foodie friend who believes every meal should be tasty and low-stress. Expect easy peasy recipes, plenty of kitchen laughs, and zero judgment if you sneak a bite before the timer dings. Let’s cook, chat, and eat the good stuff together! 🎉🍴

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