Some nights, you just want dinner to feel like a warm hug without a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients. This ground beef dinner no dairy fits right into those moments—full of cozy spices and tender vegetables, served over fluffy rice. There’s something about the sizzle of the beef hitting the pan, the smell of cumin and smoked paprika mixing with garlic and onion, that makes the kitchen feel alive and inviting.
I remember making this on a chilly evening not long ago. I was a bit distracted—caught halfway between chopping carrots and answering a text—so the timing wasn’t perfect, but that’s the kind of recipe that forgives a little chaos. The veggies softened just enough, the beef browned to that ideal rich color, and the broth simmered down to a sauce that clings to everything without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal you can eat straight from the skillet if no one’s watching, or plate up nicely when guests arrive unexpectedly.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Comforting and flavorful without relying on dairy, so it’s easy on sensitive stomachs or those avoiding lactose.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No need for complicated steps or unusual ingredients.
- Vegetables add a satisfying texture and subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef.
- Ready in about 35 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
- Because it’s made in one skillet plus a pot of rice, cleanup is quick, but you still get a complete meal.
If you’re worried about missing the creamy notes from cheese or butter, don’t be. The combination of spices and broth creates a richness that feels just right without being heavy. And honestly, sometimes you want a meal that doesn’t weigh you down after a long day.
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Ground Beef Dinner No Dairy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef dinner made without any dairy ingredients. This easy recipe features seasoned ground beef cooked with vegetables and served over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered.
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the diced bell pepper, diced carrot, and sliced mushrooms to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide among four plates.
Spoon the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the rice.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any fancy tools here—just a good skillet and a pot for the rice. I usually serve this with something green on the side, like steamed broccoli or a simple salad to brighten the plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping the white rice for brown or even quinoa could add a nuttier flavor, but I haven’t tested all those versions thoroughly. Sometimes I toss in a handful of frozen peas with the other veggies, especially when I’m low on fresh produce. It’s not the same every time, but that’s part of the charm.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and reheats nicely on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Is this recipe spicy? A: It has warm spices, but it’s not hot or fiery—perfect if you want flavor without heat.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead? A: You probably could, though the texture and flavor will be different. I haven’t tried it myself.
Ready to get dinner on the table without a fuss? This ground beef dinner no dairy is waiting in the skillet. Save it, print it, and get cooking—it’s the kind of meal that feels like home, every time.