Easy Ground Beef Paella Recipe Perfect for Family Dinners

Name: Easy Ground Beef Paella Recipe Perfect for Family Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup medium-grain or long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 3 minced garlic cloves; 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Pinch of saffron threads (or ½ teaspoon turmeric); ½ cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Posted on November 20, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Picture this: the aroma of smoky paprika and saffron wafting through your kitchen, hearty bites of perfectly seasoned ground beef, and tender grains of rice soaking up all the incredible flavors. This easy Ground Beef Paella Spanish Rice recipe is the kind of dish that feels fancy but requires no culinary degree to create. It’s a one-pan wonder that’ll make your family think you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes! Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something special without the stress.

I stumbled upon this simplified paella idea when I was craving those bold Spanish flavors but didn’t have any seafood on hand. Ground beef turned out to be the perfect substitute—it’s affordable, flavorful, and something most of us already have in the fridge. Plus, this recipe is loaded with veggies, rich spices, and a soul-warming mix of textures that’ll make you want seconds (and thirds!). Let’s dive into what makes this dish so incredible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You’ll have a steaming pot of flavorful paella ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike. No picky eater can resist the combination of savory ground beef and fluffy rice.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
One-Pan Magic: Forget piles of dishes—this recipe only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Unbelievably Delicious: The smoky paprika, saffron threads, and fresh veggies create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes this recipe stand out is how easy it is to master while still delivering a gourmet experience. No seafood? No problem! Substituting ground beef gives the dish a rich, hearty twist that’s perfect for anyone who prefers meatier meals. It’s the kind of recipe that feels celebratory but doesn’t require a special occasion to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply looking for a new family favorite, this dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create bold, comforting flavors. Many of these are pantry staples, making it an easy weeknight option without a trip to the store.

Ground beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
Rice: Use medium-grain or long-grain white rice for the perfect texture.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the rice.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and aroma.
Garlic: Minced for that irresistible savory flavor.
Bell peppers: A mix of red and green for color and crunch.
Tomato paste: Brings a concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
Saffron threads: The signature ingredient that gives paella its golden hue and unique flavor. (Use turmeric as a budget-friendly alternative.)
Smoked paprika: For a classic Spanish flavor.
Frozen peas: For a pop of color and sweetness.
Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing everything together.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Lemon wedges: For serving—a squeeze of fresh lemon cuts through the richness beautifully.

If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer a twist, don’t worry! I’ll cover substitutions and variations later on.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or paella pan: A wide, shallow pan is ideal for even cooking. If you don’t have a paella pan, a large skillet works perfectly.
Wooden spoon: For stirring without scratching your pan.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for perfect rice texture.
Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping veggies.
Lid for the pan: To trap steam and cook the rice evenly.

Don’t worry if you don’t have specialty equipment—this recipe is forgiving! I’ve even made it in a regular frying pan in a pinch, and it still turned out delicious.

Preparation Method

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers (red and green) and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of saffron threads (or ½ teaspoon turmeric for a budget-friendly swap). Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add 1 cup of medium-grain or long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir to coat the grains with the flavorful mixture.
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle ½ cup of frozen peas over the top and cover again to finish cooking.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

If you’re new to making paella-style dishes, these tips will help you nail it every time:

Don’t rush the simmer: Let the rice cook slowly so it absorbs all the flavors from the broth and spices.
Use fresh spices: Fresh smoked paprika and saffron make a huge difference in the overall taste.
Don’t skip the lemon: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness of the ground beef.
Avoid stirring the rice: Once the broth is added, resist the urge to stir. This helps achieve that signature paella texture with crispy bits on the bottom.
Test your rice: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested time, add a splash more broth and cook for a few extra minutes.

Trust me, practice makes perfect. The more you make this dish, the easier it gets—and the more your family will beg for it!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is certified GF.
Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for diced mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or scallops for a classic paella flair. Cook them separately and stir them in at the end.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Seasonal Vegetables: Swap out bell peppers for zucchini or cherry tomatoes during summer months.

One of my favorite spins? Adding chorizo for a smoky, spicy touch—it’s a flavor-packed upgrade that my family loves!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ground Beef Paella Spanish Rice is best served warm, straight from the pan. Set the dish in the center of the table with a stack of plates and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s part of the charm!

Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of sangria or a refreshing lemon iced tea makes the perfect beverage pairing.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the moisture.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be afraid to enjoy this dish as leftovers!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packs some nutritional perks:

Protein-Packed: Ground beef and peas provide a good dose of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and peas are full of vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants.
Gluten-Free Option: Perfect for those avoiding gluten—just double-check your broth label.
Balanced Meal: With carbs, protein, and healthy fats, this dish makes for a well-rounded dinner!

Keep in mind that individual nutritional values will vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. It’s a wholesome dish you can feel good about serving!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s equal parts delicious, simple, and comforting, this Easy Ground Beef Paella Spanish Rice is your answer. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your family’s tastes, and it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something cozy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I hope it finds a place in yours too. What’s your favorite twist on paella? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or pin it for later—it’s too good to keep to yourself!

Now go grab your skillet and make some magic happen. Buen provecho!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well but will need extra cooking time and more broth.

What can I use instead of saffron?

Turmeric is a great budget-friendly alternative that adds color and a mild earthy flavor.

Can I freeze leftover paella?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to use a nonstick or well-seasoned pan, and don’t stir the rice once the liquid is added.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef for mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.

Pin This Recipe!