Ever have one of those nights where you’re juggling a million things and dinner feels like a puzzle? That’s when this Easy Ground Beef Skillet saves the day. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes, packed with hearty beef and veggies, and—best part—my picky eaters always ask for more. I whipped this up on a whim once, and now it’s a weeknight staple. Let’s make it together—you’ll love how simple it is!
Ingredients
This one-pot ground beef meal comes together with stuff you’ve probably got on hand. Here’s the lineup:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is my pick for flavor—lean works too!)
- 1 medium onion, diced (Yellow ones bring a touch of sweetness.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Or a quick shake of garlic powder if you’re short on time.)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (Red, green, whatever’s in the crisper!)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (Fire-roasted adds a smoky vibe.)
- 1 cup beef broth (Keeps it juicy without drowning it.)
- 1 tsp chili powder (Bump it up if you’re feeling bold!)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (A little secret for that rich taste.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Optional, but it’s a game-changer.)
- Optional sides: Rice, tortillas, or a chunk of crusty bread.
Pantry Hack: No broth? Mix water with a bouillon cube—works like a charm!
How to Make This Easy Ground Beef Recipe
This is so straightforward, you’ll be eating before you know it. Grab a skillet, and let’s roll!
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart (my hamburger chopper makes this a breeze) until it’s browned—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra grease if needed.
Step 2: Toss in Veggies
Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften up. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds—just enough to wake up the flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice included) and beef broth. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. The sauce thickens, and the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Turn off the heat, sprinkle that cheddar on top, and cover for a minute to let it melt into deliciousness. Done and done!
Storage & Leftovers Ideas
Made too much? No problem—here’s how to keep this quick weeknight ground beef recipe tasting amazing:
- Fridge: Pop it into an airtight container—it’s good for up to 3 days. The flavors might soak in more, so add a splash of broth or water when you reheat to loosen it up.
- Freezer: Stash it in freezer bags (skip the cheese for now) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it, warm it up, then add fresh cheese on top.
- Reheating: Go low and slow on the stove to keep it smooth—high heat can make it separate. Microwave’s fine too, just cover it and stir halfway.
- Next-Day Magic: Use leftovers in tacos, layer it over nachos, or mix with pasta for a whole new meal.
Serving Suggestions
This stands alone, but if you’re feeling extra:
- Spoon it over rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Wrap it in tortillas for a fast taco fix.
- Pair it with my Quick Cucumber Salad for a fresh crunch!
Tips & Variations
Switch it up however you like—here’s what I’ve tried and loved:
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a diced jalapeño with the veggies or crank up the chili powder for a fiery twist. Perfect for spice lovers!
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in diced bell peppers (beyond the one already in there), some corn, or black beans for extra color and bite.
- Brown Rice Option: If you’re serving with rice, try brown rice instead of white—it’s nuttier, just give it about 40 minutes to cook.
- Lighten It Up: Swap rice for cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb.
- Family Favorite: On Jan 12, 2025, I added jalapeños for a cozy winter night—it was a hit with everyone!
Your Turn: Tried a tweak that worked? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
FAQ
Can I swap in ground turkey?
Yep! It’s a bit leaner but still delicious.
How do I prep this ahead?
Cook it all minus the cheese, store it, then reheat and add the cheese fresh.
Recipe Card
Easy Ground Beef Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Ingredients: (See above)
Instructions: (See above)
Love This Recipe? Let’s Chat!
Picture this: You’re enjoying every bite of this skillet while it’s still warm and cheesy. I’d love to know how it went for you—drop a comment below with your thoughts or any fun twists you added! Need more beef ideas? Grab my free Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights” guide in Homepage!
