introduction
This One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef is a warm, simple meal. It mixes rice, ground beef, tomatoes and herbs in one pan. If you like easy one-pan dishes, try a similar easy baked egg casserole for another quick dinner idea.
why make this recipe
This meal cooks in one pan, so you use fewer dishes.
It is filling and full of flavor from cumin, paprika, dill and lemon.
You can make it fast on a weeknight and feed a family.
If you want ideas for sides that go with beef dishes, see tips on what food goes well with wagyu beef for pairing ideas you can adapt.
how to make One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Stir in diced tomatoes, rice, broth and spices. Bring to a gentle boil. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice at the end. For a simple sweet finish you might serve banana bread made with pancake mix as an easy dessert after this savory meal.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Chopped bell peppers
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Optional toppings: Feta cheese or yogurt
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add in the diced tomatoes, rice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and dried dill. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Add chopped bell peppers if desired.
- Serve hot, with optional toppings of feta cheese or yogurt.
how to serve One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef
Serve hot from the skillet. Add crumbled feta or a dollop of yogurt on top. A side salad or warm pita works well. If you want another beef idea or different ways to serve beef, check the beef tacos guide for ideas you can use with this meal.
how to store One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef
Let the skillet cool to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot.
tips to make One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef
Use long-grain rice and keep the lid on while simmering to cook the rice well.
Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end.
If you use turkey, watch the liquid so it does not dry out.
Add bell peppers or a handful of spinach at the end for more color and veg.
For a simple dessert that pairs well after a savory meal, try black bean brownies sweetened with dates.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter dish.
- Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version (skip the meat).
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a more Middle Eastern flavor.
- Fold in cooked grape leaves or use the mix as a filling for stuffed peppers.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice needs more liquid and about 10–15 more minutes of cooking. Add extra broth.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes. Make it and cool, then store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No. The spices are mild. Add red pepper flakes or hot paprika if you want heat.
Q: Can I use homemade broth?
A: Yes. Homemade broth works well and adds more flavor. Adjust salt if the broth is salty.
One-Pan Savory Dolma Skillet with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, rice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and dried dill. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Add chopped bell peppers if desired.
- Serve hot, topped with crumbled feta or a dollop of yogurt, alongside a side salad or warm pita.