Last month I was very busy and didn’t feel like cooking anything fancy, but dinner still needed to be filling and homemade. Ground beef rice and peas quickly became my favorite choice because everything cooks together and the flavors blend beautifully. The beef gives richness, the rice absorbs all the seasoning, and the peas add a soft texture and gentle sweetness. It is simple food, but it tastes thoughtful and comforting.

Ground Beef Rice and Peas is one of those comforting meals that never disappoints. It is warm, filling, and made with simple ingredients that most of us already have at home. I love this recipe because it brings together seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and tender peas in one pot, creating a dish that feels complete without being complicated. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel relaxed and satisfied after a long day.

I have cooked this recipe many times, and I use long-grain rice and lean ground beef every single time. I always season the beef well at the beginning because that step makes a big difference. When the meat is flavorful, the entire dish tastes better. This recipe is reliable, easy to adjust, and perfect when I want something hearty without stress.

You can serve this dish on its own, with some fresh salad on the side, also with fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or sautéed greens. It works as a full meal, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides that don’t overpower the main dish. No matter how you serve it, it always feels warm and satisfying.

It’s Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights: When time is short but you still want a homemade meal. Everything cooks in one pot with little effort.
• Family Dinners: Mild flavors that everyone can enjoy. Easy to adjust seasoning for kids or adults.
• Meal Prep: Stores very well in the fridge. Flavors improve overnight.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Ground beef and rice go a long way.
• Comfort Food Cravings: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Feels like home-cooked food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pigeon peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional but recommended)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper or chili (optional, whole)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Ground Beef Rice and Peas

Step 1

Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 2

Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 3

Season the beef: Stir in the thyme, paprika, black pepper, salt, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and tomato paste. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4

Add rice and peas: Add the rinsed rice and the drained peas to the pot. Stir gently for about 1 minute, allowing the rice to absorb some of the seasoned beef mixture. This step helps build flavor directly into the rice.

Step 5

Pour in liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth (or water). Stir once to combine, then add the whole Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Do not cut it open unless you want extra heat.

Step 6

Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring too much while cooking to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Step 7

Rest and fluff: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 8

Serve: Transfer the ground beef rice and peas to a serving dish and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pot meal.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Rice and Peas

• Rinse the rice well
  Washing rice removes excess starch.
  This helps the grains stay separate.
  The texture will be much better.
• Season the beef early
  Add spices while browning the meat.
  This builds deep flavor from the start.
  Don’t wait until the end.
• Cook on medium heat
  High heat can burn the bottom.
  Medium heat cooks evenly.
  Flavors develop slowly.
• Avoid over-stirring
  Stirring too much breaks the rice.
  Let it cook undisturbed.
  Fluff only at the end.
• Measure liquid carefully
  Too much liquid makes mushy rice.
  Too little leaves rice undercooked.
  Follow the recipe closely.
• Let it rest before serving
  Resting helps rice finish steaming.
  Flavors settle nicely.
  Texture improves a lot.
• Taste before serving
  Rice absorbs seasoning as it cooks.
  Adjust salt at the end.
  A small change makes a big difference.

Optional Ingredients

• Coconut milk for extra richness
• Chili pepper for gentle heat
• Bell peppers for sweetness
• Fresh thyme for aroma
• Tomato paste for deeper flavor
• Green onions for garnish

How to Serve Ground Beef Rice and Peas?

I like to serve ground beef rice and peas hot and fresh, straight from the pot, because that is when the flavors are at their best. I usually pair it with a simple green salad made with lettuce, cucumber, and a light dressing. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the beef and rice, making the meal feel complete without being heavy.

I also enjoy serving this dish with fried plantains, steamed cabbage, or sautéed vegetables when I want something more filling. The sweetness of the plantains pairs beautifully with the savory rice and beef, while vegetables add color and texture to the plate. This makes it perfect for family dinners or relaxed weekend meals.

I sometimes serve ground beef rice and peas in a large bowl placed in the center of the table. Everyone helps themselves, and it creates a warm, comforting atmosphere. It’s ideal for casual gatherings because it doesn’t need fancy presentation, yet it still feels generous and homemade.

Is Ground Beef Rice and Peas Healthy?

Ground beef rice and peas can be a balanced and nourishing meal when prepared the right way. It provides protein from the beef, energy from the rice, and fiber from the peas. When eaten in reasonable portions, it fits well into a healthy eating routine.

Using lean ground beef and controlling the amount of oil helps keep the dish lighter. Adding vegetables or using brown rice can increase nutrients while still keeping the meal comforting and satisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Instead of Beef
  Use ground chicken for a lighter option.
  Season well to avoid bland flavor.
  Cooking time stays similar.
  Texture becomes softer.
• Brown Rice Version
  Replace white rice with brown rice.
  Increase liquid slightly.
  Cooking time is longer.
  Flavor becomes nuttier.
• Vegetarian Option
  Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
  Use vegetable broth.
  Season generously.
  Still very filling.
• Spicy Version
  Add chopped chili or hot sauce.
  Stir in with the beef.
  Heat builds gently.
  Perfect for spice lovers.
• Caribbean-Style
  Use coconut milk and fresh thyme.
  Add a whole Scotch bonnet.
  Remove before serving.
  Bold but balanced.
• Cheesy Twist
  Stir in shredded cheese at the end.
  Let it melt gently.
  Makes the dish creamy.
  Very comforting.
• Tomato-Based Version
  Add diced tomatoes.
  Reduce liquid slightly.
  Flavor becomes tangy.
  Color deepens nicely.
• Extra Vegetable Version
  Add carrots or peas.
  Chop vegetables small.
  Stir in with rice.
  Adds nutrition and color.

How to Store and How to Reheat

Store leftover ground beef rice and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to keep the texture fresh and prevent moisture buildup.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a small splash of water or broth to prevent dryness, then stir gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Rice and Peas

Can I make ground beef rice and peas ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead.
The flavors improve after resting.
Store and reheat gently.

Can I freeze ground beef rice and peas?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Use airtight containers or freezer bags.
Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why did my rice turn out mushy?
Too much liquid causes mushy rice.
Over-stirring also breaks grains.
Measure carefully next time.

What type of rice works best?
Long-grain rice is ideal.
It stays fluffy and separate.
Short-grain rice can be sticky.

Ground Beef Rice and Peas Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main DishCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Ground Beef Rice and Peas is an easy, comforting one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and tender peas. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep, this hearty recipe is simple, filling, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or pigeon peas, drained and rinsed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 cup coconut milk (optional but recommended)

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper or chili (optional, whole)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
• Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
• Season the beef: Stir in the thyme, paprika, black pepper, salt, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and tomato paste. Mix well so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
• Add rice and peas: Add the rinsed rice and the drained peas to the pot. Stir gently for about 1 minute, allowing the rice to absorb some of the seasoned beef mixture. This step helps build flavor directly into the rice.
• Pour in liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth (or water). Stir once to combine, then add the whole Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Do not cut it open unless you want extra heat.
• Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring too much while cooking to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
• Rest and fluff: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
• Serve: Transfer the ground beef rice and peas to a serving dish and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pot meal.