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Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Rice Skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a sticky sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 3 tablespoons pure honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, dice onion, and whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Push beef to the side or create a well. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add rice and liquid: Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in water and the honey-soy sauce mixture. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer and steam: Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Check for tenderness; cook 2-3 minutes more if needed.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Notes

Do not use instant rice as it will turn to mush. Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps keep grains separate. Ensure the heat is low during simmering to prevent burning. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, rice skillet, honey garlic, easy dinner, weeknight meals, one pan meal, comfort food, meal prep

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