Quick & Easy Ground Beef Dinner: Speedy One-Pan Skillet

Busy weeknights call for simple, satisfying meals! This ground beef dinner skillet is your new go-to. It combines savory beef with vibrant veggies and your choice of pasta or rice for a complete meal in one pan. Enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. You’ll love this versatile and delicious recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Dinner

• Fast and Simple Preparation: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• One-Pan Convenience: Cook everything in a single skillet, drastically cutting down on cleanup time.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This easy ground beef meal uses common, affordable pantry staples.
• Crowd-Placing Flavors: Everyone at your table will enjoy the rich, savory taste.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Gather these simple items to create a delicious one-pan ground beef dinner:

• Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (80/20 or 90/10 recommended).
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
• Bell Peppers: 2, any color, chopped.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups.
• Pasta or Rice: 1 cup quick-cooking pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni, rotini) or instant rice.
• Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Oil: 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil.
• Common Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional, for garnish (e.g., cilantro, parsley).

Notes & Substitutions

The USDA provides guidelines on fat content for lean ground beef to help consumers make informed choices.

Choose lean ground beef (80/20) for flavor; 90/10 works well too, but may need a little extra oil. Swap ground beef for turkey, pork, or even mild Italian sausage for different flavors. Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach to boost nutrition. Feel free to use tomato sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste diluted in broth instead of diced tomatoes. Chicken or vegetable broth can replace beef broth. Experiment with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even grains like couscous or quinoa (adjust liquid and cook times as needed). Mozzarella or Colby cheese melt beautifully. Vary the spices with taco seasoning or Italian herbs for a different twist on your skillet ground beef.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this speedy ground beef dinner:

• Large Skillet: A 10-12 inch skillet, preferably oven-safe if you plan to melt cheese under the broiler.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For browning meat and stirring ingredients.

Instructions

Let’s make this simple and satisfying ground beef dinner! This quick one-pan meal is perfect for any night of the week.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive or vegetable oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with your spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned.
2. Drain Excess Fat (if needed): If using a higher fat ground beef, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can tilt the pan and scoop it out with a spoon or transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels, then wipe out the pan before returning the beef. This keeps your dish from becoming greasy.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped bell peppers. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften slightly but still have a bit of crispness.
4. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and the beef broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the spices evenly throughout the liquid.
5. Bring to a Simmer and Add Pasta/Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add your quick-cooking pasta or instant rice directly into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta or rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or according to your pasta/rice package directions, until the pasta or rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
7. Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover the pan and sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the ground beef dinner. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can place it under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden (watch carefully to prevent burning). Otherwise, simply cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, remove the lid. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your delicious one-pan ground beef skillet immediately while it’s warm.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Best Beef Browning: For perfectly browned beef, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Prevent Mushy Pasta/Rice: Use quick-cooking varieties and follow package directions closely. Stir only occasionally. If the dish looks too dry, add a splash more broth.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices before serving. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Quick Prep: Chop all your vegetables ahead of time. This saves precious minutes during the week. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook your easy ground beef meal.
• Too Much Liquid? If your pasta/rice is cooked but there’s still too much liquid, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly, stirring until it thickens.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile ground beef dinner shines in many ways!

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your skillet alongside a crisp green side salad or warm crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, or sliced avocado makes a great topping.
• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely. Transfer the ground beef skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Variations:
  • Mexican Inspired: Add a can of drained black beans or corn, extra chili powder, and top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro for a festive ground beef meal.
  • Italian Inspired: Use Italian seasoning, a splash of red wine, and top with mozzarella and fresh basil. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
  • Asian Inspired: Add ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. Serve with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Low-Carb Options: Replace pasta/rice with riced cauliflower or extra vegetables for a healthier, low-carb ground beef skillet.

Nutrition Information

This hearty ground beef dinner provides a significant source of protein, essential for muscle health and satiety. It also offers valuable fiber and vitamins from the vegetables.

For more information on the benefits of incorporating lean beef into a healthy diet, you can refer to resources from health and nutrition experts.

Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For precise information, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your chosen components. This recipe typically yields about 6 servings.

FAQ

• What is the best type of ground beef for dinner? Use 80/20 ground chuck for the best balance of flavor and tenderness in your skillet. Leaner options like 90/10 work well if you prefer less fat.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep vegetables in advance, but for the best texture, cook the entire ground beef dinner fresh. Leftovers, however, store and reheat beautifully.
• How can I make this ground beef dinner healthier? Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. Increase the vegetable content, use whole-wheat pasta, and reduce the cheese amount for a lighter version.
• Can I use frozen ground beef? Thaw frozen ground beef completely in the refrigerator or microwave before cooking. Do not add frozen beef directly to the skillet.
• What side dishes pair well with ground beef? A simple green salad, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread all complement this flavorful ground beef dinner perfectly.

Conclusion

This ground beef dinner truly delivers on its promise of being quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings, offering a complete meal with minimal effort and cleanup. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a satisfying dish the whole family will love. Give this speedy one-pan skillet a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight hero!

Quick & Easy Ground Beef Dinner: Speedy One-Pan Skillet

This comforting one-pan ground beef skillet combines savory beef, veggies, pasta or rice, and melted cheese for a quick, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and easy clean-up!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup quick-cooking pasta or instant rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• large skillet (10–12 inch) oven-safe if broiling cheese
• cutting board and knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
2. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook another 3–5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring to a simmer, then stir in pasta or rice. Ensure it’s submerged in liquid.
6. Cover and reduce heat. Cook 10–15 minutes or until pasta/rice is tender and most liquid absorbed. Stir halfway through.
7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese over top and let melt, or broil for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for richer flavor or 90/10 for less grease. Swap in turkey or sausage, or try grains like couscous. Boost nutrition with veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach. Customize the spice blend to match your flavor profile (Mexican, Italian, etc.).

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com