3-Ingredient Ground Beef Dinner – Simple, Satisfying, and Fast

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This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for busy nights. Three ingredients, one pan, and dinner is ready before anyone can ask what’s for dinner again. It’s hearty, tasty, and flexible enough to fit different moods and toppings.

Even better, you probably have everything on hand already. If you cook once and eat twice, this one makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

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3-Ingredient Ground Beef Dinner - Simple, Satisfying, and Fast

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef – 80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor.
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa – Choose your preferred heat level (mild, medium, or hot).
• 2 cups cooked rice – White, brown, or leftover rice from the fridge.

Instructions

• Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Season simply: Taste the beef and add a pinch of salt and pepper if your salsa isn’t very salty. Keep it light—salsa will add more seasoning.
• Add the salsa: Pour the entire jar over the beef. Stir to coat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld and slightly thicken.
• Stir in the rice: Add the cooked rice and fold it in until evenly combined. If rice is cold, break up any clumps. Cook 2–3 minutes, just until everything is hot and steamy.
• Adjust texture: If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too saucy, let it simmer uncovered for another minute.
• Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Squeeze a little lime over the top if you have it. Serve as is, or add shredded cheese, cilantro, or avocado.

Why This Recipe Works

This 3-Ingredient Ground Beef Dinner works because it builds big flavor from simple parts. Ground beef brings a rich, savory base.

Salsa adds seasoning, acidity, and just enough heat—no spice cabinet required. Rice makes it filling and balances the flavors.

Everything cooks together in one pan, so cleanup is easy. You don’t need to worry about timing separate pots or simmering sauces for ages.

The salsa does the heavy lifting, so even beginners can get great results with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef – 80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor.
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa – Choose your preferred heat level (mild, medium, or hot).
• 2 cups cooked rice – White, brown, or leftover rice from the fridge.

Optional but recommended: salt and pepper to taste, a squeeze of lime, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or avocado for serving.

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

   Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Season simply: Taste the beef and add a pinch of salt and pepper if your salsa isn’t very salty. Keep it light—salsa will add more seasoning.
3. Add the salsa: Pour the entire jar over the beef. Stir to coat and bring to a gentle simmer.

   Cook 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld and slightly thicken.

4. Stir in the rice: Add the cooked rice and fold it in until evenly combined. If rice is cold, break up any clumps. Cook 2–3 minutes, just until everything is hot and steamy.
5. Adjust texture: If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth.

   If it’s too saucy, let it simmer uncovered for another minute.

6. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Squeeze a little lime over the top if you have it. Serve as is, or add shredded cheese, cilantro, or avocado.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.

  Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Health Benefits

• Protein-rich: Ground beef provides high-quality protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
• Customizable carbs and fiber: Using brown rice boosts fiber, which supports digestion and steady energy.
• Nutrient boost from salsa: Salsa adds vitamins A and C from tomatoes and peppers, plus antioxidants from onions and garlic.
• Flexible fat levels: Choose leaner beef if you prefer, or drain excess fat to manage calories while keeping flavor.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Too much grease: If using higher-fat beef, drain the pan before adding salsa so the dish isn’t oily.
• Bland salsa: Not all salsas are equal.

  If yours tastes flat, add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of chili powder.

• Mushy rice: Overcooked or very wet rice can make the dish heavy. Use rice that’s just tender or leftover rice for better texture.
• Too spicy: Hot salsa can sneak up on you. Start mild and add hot sauce at the table if needed.

Alternatives

• Swap the rice: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or small pasta like elbows for a different spin.
• Change the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work well.
• Different sauces: Use canned tomatoes with green chiles, enchilada sauce, or marinara for a new flavor profile.
• Add-ins (if you want a fourth ingredient): Black beans, corn, bell peppers, or shredded cheese are easy upgrades.
• Make it a bowl: Serve over greens with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

FAQ

Can I make this with uncooked rice?

Yes, but you’ll need extra liquid and time.

Brown the beef, add 1 cup uncooked rice and about 2 cups broth plus the salsa. Cover and simmer on low until the rice is tender, about 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep it simple by using cooked rice if you’re in a hurry.

What kind of salsa is best?

Use a chunky jarred salsa you like the taste of on its own.

Mild or medium is the safest bet for a crowd. Fire-roasted salsas add a smoky flavor, while fresh, refrigerated salsas taste brighter but may be thinner.

How do I make it less spicy?

Choose mild salsa and skip extra chili flakes or hot sauce. Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the end to mellow heat and add creaminess.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely.

Use a large skillet or Dutch oven so everything mixes evenly. You may need an extra minute or two to heat the larger batch through.

What toppings go well?

Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime all work great. Keep it simple or build it like a burrito bowl.

How can I make it more budget-friendly?

Buy ground beef in bulk, choose store-brand salsa, and use leftover rice.

Stretch the meal by adding a can of beans or extra rice without changing the core flavor.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes. It reheats well and stays flavorful for several days. Portion into containers with a wedge of lime and a bag of shredded cheese on the side for quick grab-and-go meals.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Ground Beef Dinner is proof that simple doesn’t have to be boring.

With just beef, salsa, and rice, you get a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal in minutes. It’s adaptable, affordable, and easy to scale. Keep these ingredients on hand, and you’ll always have a no-stress dinner ready to go.

Add a few toppings if you like, or enjoy it as is—either way, it hits the spot.