Sometimes, after a day that’s just dragging on, you want a meal that feels like a warm hug without any fuss. This ground beef dinner fits that bill perfectly. It’s straightforward, no milk involved, and comes together in less than an hour, making it ideal for those nights when you’re juggling a million things but still want something nourishing on the table.
I remember the first time I made this dish, I got distracted halfway through—probably by my phone buzzing—and ended up leaving the mushrooms in a bit longer than intended. They turned out softer than usual, but honestly, it added this unexpectedly cozy texture that made the whole meal feel even more comforting. The aroma of sautéed garlic and bell pepper mingling with the spiced beef filled the kitchen and somehow made the wait worth it. It’s funny how little mishaps in the kitchen sometimes lead to the most memorable meals.
- Hearty and filling without relying on dairy, making it suitable for those avoiding milk.
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The blend of spices adds warmth but keeps things uncomplicated — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Served over fluffy rice, it’s an easy way to stretch a meal for the whole family.
Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this recipe feels approachable. It’s the kind of dinner that doesn’t require fancy tools or last-minute runs to the store. You can adapt it a little based on what’s in your fridge, and it still turns out comforting every time.
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Ground Beef Dinner (No Milk)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and simple ground beef dinner made without any milk, featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and served over fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add 1 cup of long grain white rice to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Add 1 medium diced green bell pepper and 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
Remove the skillet from heat once the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among four plates.
Top the rice with the ground beef and vegetable mixture.
Garnish each plate with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooking this dish doesn’t demand any special equipment—just a skillet and a pot for the rice. I usually serve it with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies when I want to add a bit of fresh crunch on the side. Sometimes, I swap the mushrooms for zucchini or add a pinch of chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous, though I haven’t tested all these tweaks extensively. If you want to vary the protein, ground turkey might work, but the flavor will be a bit different. Also, fresh parsley on top brightens things up in a way that dried herbs just don’t.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It depends on your rice and spices, but generally yes, it’s gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely, though cooking times might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried herbs can work, but fresh adds a nicer pop of color and flavor.
Ready to bring some easy comfort to your dinner table? Save this recipe, print it out, and get cooking—it’s a simple way to make an ordinary evening a little cozier.