Description
A one-pan wonder featuring smoky paprika, saffron, ground beef, and tender rice, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
[‘Let the rice cook slowly to absorb all the flavors from the broth and spices.’, ‘Use fresh smoked paprika and saffron for the best flavor.’, ‘A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness.’, ‘Avoid stirring the rice once the broth is added to achieve the signature paella texture.’, ‘If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested time, add a splash more broth and cook for a few extra minutes.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
Keywords: ground beef, paella, Spanish rice, one-pan meal, family dinner, easy recipe, quick dinner, budget-friendly, gluten-free