Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A hearty and flavorful ground beef skillet dinner that comes together in just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.

Anya Coleman

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2025-12-24T13:57:40.186Z

This Ground Beef Skillet Dinner is a comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. It's not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in one skillet
  • Packed with protein and flavor
  • Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite veggies

A One-Pan Wonder

This Ground Beef Skillet Dinner is the epitome of convenience for busy weeknights. With everything prepared in just one pan, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to wash afterward. This means less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your dinner with family or friends.

The beauty of this dish lies not just in its simplicity but also in its ability to accommodate various ingredients. Whether you have leftover vegetables in your fridge or prefer to stick to the basics, this recipe allows for customization. Toss in your favorites or whatever you have on hand to create a meal that suits your taste.

Moreover, the one-pan method ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a rich and satisfying meal. The combination of spices, vegetables, and protein creates a savory experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutritional Benefits

Ground beef is a fantastic source of protein, making this dish not only filling but also nutritious. Each serving provides essential nutrients that support muscle growth and overall health. Pairing it with vegetables adds fiber and vitamins, enhancing the meal's nutritional profile.

In addition to its protein content, this skillet dinner is versatile in terms of dietary needs. If you prefer a leaner option, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken. The recipe can also be made vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives or adding more vegetables, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

By incorporating ingredients like bell peppers and corn, you add a colorful array of nutrients. Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, while corn provides fiber. Together, they create a balanced meal that not only satisfies hunger but also supports your health.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Ground Beef Skillet Dinner is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for the week ahead. Store the leftovers in airtight containers, and you’ll have quick, healthy meals ready to go for lunch or dinner.

Reheating this dish is a breeze. Just pop it in the microwave or heat it on the stove for a few minutes, and you’ll have a tasty meal that tastes just as good as when it was freshly made. Meal prepping not only saves time but also helps you stick to your nutritional goals.

Additionally, this recipe is freezer-friendly. If you find you won’t get to it within a few days, simply freeze individual portions. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of your Ground Beef Skillet Dinner even on your busiest days.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious ground beef skillet dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious skillet dinner.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Combine with Rice or Pasta

Add the cooked rice or pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal!

Cooking Tips

To enhance the flavor of your Ground Beef Skillet Dinner, consider browning the meat with some spices before adding the vegetables. This technique allows the spices to bloom, resulting in a richer taste. Additionally, using a cast-iron skillet can help achieve a nice sear on the beef and retain heat better while cooking.

If you're looking for an extra kick, don't hesitate to add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes when you stir in the spices. This will elevate the flavor profile and cater to those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

Make sure to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, whether that means adding more salt, pepper, or spices. This will ensure that your dish is perfectly tailored to your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your Ground Beef Skillet Dinner with a side salad or some crusty bread. This addition not only enhances the dining experience but also provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the skillet dish.

If you're looking to add some greens, consider sautéing spinach or kale in the skillet just before serving. This will not only boost the nutritional value but also add a vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

Pair your meal with a light beverage, such as iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon, to cleanse the palate and complement the savory flavors of the ground beef and spices.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and reheat when ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet dinner is great on its own but can be served with a side salad or crusty bread.

Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

A hearty and flavorful ground beef skillet dinner that comes together in just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Anya Coleman

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  7. 1 cup beef broth
  8. 2 tsp chili powder
  9. 1 tsp cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
  12. Chopped parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 04

Add the cooked rice or pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g