There are some recipes that just stick with you, aren’t there? The ones that feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening, or a familiar melody that instantly brings a smile to your face. For me, that recipe is this incredible Ground Beef skillet. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but oh, is it delicious. I remember my mom making a version of this when I was a kid, and the smell of the onions and ground beef simmering on the stove was always my cue that dinner was going to be good. Fast forward a few decades, and this dish is still a weekly staple in my own kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that’s a lifesaver on those nights when you get home late and the fridge looks a little… sparse. But even when I have plenty of time, I often find myself reaching for this easy ground beef skillet because it’s just so darn satisfying. It reminds me a bit of a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, but way quicker and requires way less fuss. Honestly, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor without demanding hours of your time, you’ve come to the right place.
What is ground beef skewer?
So, what exactly is this magical ground beef skillet I keep raving about? Think of it as a hearty, one-pan meal that brings together tender ground beef with a medley of flavorful vegetables and a secret ingredient or two that just makes everything sing. It’s essentially a perfectly seasoned sauté of ground beef, usually with onions and garlic as the aromatic base, piled high with other goodies like bell peppers, corn, and sometimes even peas or diced tomatoes, all brought together in a savory sauce. The beauty of it is that it’s super adaptable. You can throw in whatever veggies you have lurking in the crisper drawer. It’s not just a simple stir-fry, though. There’s a depth of flavor here that comes from letting the ingredients meld together in the skillet. It’s comforting, it’s filling, and it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds, no matter their age. It’s humble, honest food, cooked with love, and that’s what I adore about it.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why this ground beef skillet is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking savory, slightly sweet, with a hint of tanginess that keeps your taste buds coming back for more. The ground beef gets beautifully browned, creating those little crispy bits that are pure gold, and when combined with the softened vegetables and the rich sauce, it’s pure comfort food bliss. Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 45 minutes, and most of that is hands-off simmering time. It’s a weeknight warrior! Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is usually a more affordable protein, and the vegetables are generally common pantry staples, making this a win for your wallet. And versatility? Oh, it’s the queen of versatility. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even just with a side of crusty bread for dipping. I’ve even added different spices to change it up – a pinch of cumin for a Mexican twist, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. What I love most about this ground beef skillet is that it’s so forgiving. Even if you’re not the most confident cook, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. It’s definitely a step up from a basic taco meat filling, offering a more complex flavor profile that feels a little more special, but is honestly just as easy to pull off.
How do I make ground beef skewers?
Quick Overview
This ground beef skillet recipe is all about building flavor in one pan. We’ll start by browning the ground beef, then sautéing our aromatics and veggies, and finally bringing it all together with a simple, delicious sauce. The whole process is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort, meaning you get a satisfying, home-cooked meal without the stress. It’s perfect for busy evenings and is easily customizable with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
For the ground beef base:
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works great!)
1 large onion, chopped (I like yellow or sweet onions for this)
2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s key!)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the Veggie Medley:
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped (use any color you like, really!)
1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw)
1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Optional: 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (adds a lovely acidity)
For the Savory Sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup (this is my secret weapon for a touch of sweetness and tang)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds incredible depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (just a touch to balance everything out)
1/4 cup beef broth or water (to create the sauce consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get the Pan Ready
Grab a large skillet, at least 10-12 inches across, with nice high sides. We want plenty of room to move everything around. Add your olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want it to shimmer a bit, but not smoke. This initial heat is crucial for getting a good sear on our beef.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with your spoon as it starts to cook. We’re aiming for nice, browned crumbles. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t big enough, you might want to do this in two batches to ensure proper browning. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease – a paper towel works wonders for this. Season the beef with salt and pepper right now, it’s much easier than trying to season it later.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet (or remove it temporarily if you prefer, though I usually just scoot it over). Add the chopped onion to the cleared space. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – that can make it bitter. If you removed the beef, add it back in now and give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Tomatoes
Toss in your chopped bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften slightly but still have a nice bit of crunch. Then, add the frozen corn and frozen peas. If you’re using diced tomatoes, add them now, undrained. Stir everything together so all those beautiful ingredients are mingling. The frozen veggies will cool the pan down a bit, which is fine.
Step 5: Mix the Savory Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. This is where the magic really happens! Pour this sauce mixture over everything in the skillet. Add the beef broth or water to help create a nice, saucy consistency. Stir well to coat everything evenly. If you’re using diced tomatoes, the liquid from them will also contribute to the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer and Meld
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the vegetables are cooked through to tender perfection. Stir it once or twice during this period to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, uncover the skillet. Give it a good stir and taste! This is your chance to make it perfect for *you*. Does it need a little more salt? A touch more pepper? Maybe another tiny pinch of brown sugar if your tomatoes were particularly tart? Adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the ingredients nicely. If it seems too thin, you can uncover it and let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water.
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Your delicious ground beef skillet is ready to go! Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table excited.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. It’s so hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can certainly jazz it up. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a nice pop of color and freshness. I usually serve it family-style, right out of the pan, so everyone can dig in.
What to Serve It With
This ground beef skillet is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be paired with something! For breakfast, I know it sounds a little unconventional, but a small scoop warmed up with a fried egg on top is surprisingly delicious. It’s savory and satisfying to start your day. For a more traditional brunch, it’s fantastic served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and maybe some crispy bacon. The richness of the skillet dish complements the lighter egg dishes perfectly. As a main course for lunch or dinner, it’s absolutely wonderful spooned over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice – the rice soaks up all those delicious juices. If you’re feeling a bit more decadent, mashed potatoes are an absolute dream with this; the creamy potatoes and the savory ground beef mixture are a match made in heaven. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce. My kids also love it stuffed into warm tortillas for a sort of deconstructed burrito bowl situation. It’s a meal that truly adapts to whatever you’re craving!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Skillet
I’ve made this ground beef skillet more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. First, when it comes to the ground beef, don’t be afraid to really get it browned. That caramelization is where a ton of flavor comes from. If you have the patience to drain the grease well after browning, do it. A cleaner base means the other flavors can really shine through. For the onions and garlic, I always try to cook them until they’re nice and soft before adding the other vegetables. This mellows out their bite and sweetens them up, which is essential for that overall balanced flavor. When I add the bell peppers, I only cook them for a few minutes. I like them to still have a little bit of a bite to them, a slight crunch. If you prefer them softer, just cook them a minute or two longer. For the frozen corn and peas, don’t bother thawing them! Adding them straight from the freezer works perfectly and helps to cool down the pan slightly, preventing the onions and garlic from burning while you stir everything together. My biggest “secret” has to be the sauce combination. The ketchup adds sweetness and acidity, Worcestershire brings umami, and the brown sugar just rounds everything out. It’s a simple mix, but it transforms the dish. If you find your sauce is a little too thin after simmering, don’t panic. Just uncover the skillet and let it bubble away for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Conversely, if it gets too thick, a splash of broth or water will loosen it right up. For ingredient swaps, I’ve used turkey or chicken in place of beef with great results, though the flavor is a bit different. You can also throw in other veggies like diced carrots, mushrooms, or even some chopped zucchini if you have it on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed. Trust me on this one – this recipe is incredibly forgiving and always turns out delicious!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this ground beef skillet is how well it stores and reheats. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the skillet cool down completely before you store it. This is important for food safety and also helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. Once cooled, transfer the skillet mixture to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld even more overnight, so sometimes leftovers are even better! When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. The easiest is to pop a portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat it on medium power until warmed through, stirring halfway. Another way is to gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. This method often gives it a texture closer to when it was freshly made. I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish because the texture of the vegetables can become a little softer after thawing, but if you absolutely need to, I would suggest storing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For reheating from frozen, it’s best to use the stovetop method over low heat to allow it to thaw and warm up gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite ground beef skillet recipe! It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a million fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It’s humble, it’s hearty, and it’s packed with flavor that will have your family asking for it again and again. It’s the perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to make a meal that feels both comforting and special. If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinners, you might also enjoy my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies or my Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta. Both are big on flavor and super simple to whip up! I can’t wait for you to try this ground beef skillet. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, and what variations you come up with! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions you might have. Happy cooking!
ground beef skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the chopped green bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover again for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot, perhaps with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
