One Pan Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice

This dish is a total winner. Imagine tender beef, sticky sweet chili sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one pan. I made it once, and now it’s my go-to when I need something flavorful with minimal cleanup.

The beef gets coated in a rich, sweet chili sauce that gives it a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The rice soaks up all that flavor, making every bite full of goodness. And the best part? One pan means less work and more time to enjoy!

If you’re into bold, sticky flavors and love one-pan meals that are both filling and satisfying, this is for you. It’s perfect for a busy night or when you want a meal that packs a punch. I always make extra because it disappears fast.

Let’s cook this up together! This one-pan sticky sweet chili beef rice is easy, delicious, and totally crowd-pleasing. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The sweet chili sauce adds tang, heat, and just enough sweetness to balance the savory beef and rice.
• One-Pan Simplicity: No need for separate pots. Everything comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup.
• Perfect Weeknight Meal: It’s ready in under an hour, and it’s filling enough to stand on its own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunch the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 hungry people or 6 if you’re pairing it with a side like steamed broccoli or cucumber salad.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. If you can brown beef and stir rice, you can make this dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan with a lid
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Small bowl for mixing sauce (optional)

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Beef Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Ground beef – Use lean ground beef to keep things from getting greasy.
• Jasmine rice – Rinsed well to remove extra starch.
• Beef broth – Adds depth and flavor while cooking the rice.
• Sweet chili sauce – The heart of the dish: sticky, sweet, and just a little spicy.
• Soy sauce – Brings umami and salt.

Aromatics & Vegetables

• Garlic – Minced for sharp, savory flavor.
• Ginger – Freshly minced for warmth and spice.
• Olive oil – For sautéing.
• Bell peppers – Diced; adds color and crunch.
• Green onions – Sliced; added at the end for freshness.

Seasonings & Garnish

• Salt and pepper – Adjust to taste.
• Optional toppings: Extra sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro.

Variations for Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Go Vegetarian: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh and veggie broth.
• Add Veggies: Throw in peas, carrots, or broccoli for more texture and color.
• Make It Spicier: Add red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice – Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them around for about 30 seconds to 1 minute—just until they’re fragrant. Don’t let them brown.

2. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown fully and cook through, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

If there’s a lot of excess grease, you can drain some off—but leave just enough to keep the pan moist.

3. Stir in the Bell Peppers

Once the beef is browned, stir in your diced bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just enough for them to begin softening.

4. Add the Rice and Liquid

Add the rinsed jasmine rice directly into the pan. Stir it into the beef and peppers for a minute to let it toast slightly and absorb flavor. Then pour in the beef broth, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything gently to combine.

5. Simmer and Cover

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Try not to lift the lid while it cooks—it traps the steam needed for fluffy rice.

6. Finish and Fluff

Turn off the heat. Let the pan sit covered for another 5 minutes so the rice can finish steaming. After that, uncover and fluff the rice with a fork.

7. Add Green Onions

Stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor. Taste and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or extra chili sauce if needed.

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Steamed broccoli or snap peas
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame
• Fried egg on top (adds richness and protein)
• Chili garlic crisp or sriracha for extra heat

Serve it hot in bowls, and let guests top it with whatever garnishes they like.

Storing Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice

Refrigerator:

Let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before microwaving or warming on the stove.

Freezer:

You can freeze this dish too. Store in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag (press out the air) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Rinse the Rice Well: This removes extra starch and prevents the dish from turning sticky or gummy.
• Use a Wide Pan: A large, shallow pan ensures even cooking and helps the rice steam better.
• Keep the Lid On: Let the rice steam undisturbed while cooking. Lifting the lid too early may cause uneven texture.
• Add Sauce Last: If you want extra sweetness or heat, drizzle more sweet chili sauce on after cooking to control flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Those final 5 minutes after turning off the heat help the rice finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	46g
Sugars	9g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	6g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	690mg

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time and add extra liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s more sweet than spicy, but you can easily make it hotter with chili flakes or sriracha.

Can I use leftover cooked rice instead?

You can, but it becomes more of a fried rice dish. Skip the broth, reduce the chili sauce, and just stir-fry everything together until heated through.

Conclusion

This One Pan Sticky Sweet Chili Beef Rice has become a regular in my kitchen for a reason—it’s cozy, quick, and loaded with bold flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe you can throw together on a busy evening but still feel like you’re eating something special. Whether you serve it as-is or dress it up with toppings, this dish hits the spot every time.