You know those nights? The ones where you get home, the house is a whirlwind, and the thought of cooking a four-course meal feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops? Yeah, I live for those nights, because they always lead me to THIS ground beef skillet. It’s not just a meal; it’s my trusty sidekick, my weeknight warrior. I remember the first time I made it, almost by accident. I had a pound of ground beef defrosting and a random assortment of veggies in the fridge. I was aiming for something quick and tasty, and what I got was pure magic. It’s become a staple, the kind of dish my partner asks for by name and my little ones actually finish without complaint – a true miracle, if you ask me! It’s sort of like a deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie, but way faster and honestly, way more satisfying when you just need something *good* without a fuss.
What is ground beef skewer?
So, what exactly is this magical ground beef skillet? Think of it as your ultimate one-pan wonder. It’s essentially a hearty, savory, and incredibly flavorful dish where ground beef takes center stage, mingling with a symphony of vegetables, all brought together with a rich, comforting sauce and often topped with something delightful. It’s not fussy, it’s not complicated, and it’s definitely not boring. The beauty of this ground beef skillet is its adaptability. It’s built on a foundation of deliciousness that’s easily customized to whatever you have on hand or whatever your craving might be. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a dose of pure comfort food. It’s rustic, it’s real, and it’s ridiculously good.
How do I make ground beef skewers?
Quick Overview
This ground beef skillet recipe is all about bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients in One Pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. We’ll brown the ground beef, sauté some aromatic vegetables, stir in a simple sauce to coat everything beautifully, and let it all simmer together. It’s incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even novice cooks or when you’re just too tired to think too hard about dinner. The whole process usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, proving that delicious, homemade meals don’t need to be complicated.
Ingredients
For the ground beef base:
1 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
1 pound ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for flavor, but leaner works too!)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white is fine)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color you like, I often use a mix)
1 cup chopped zucchini or yellow squash (adds great texture and nutrition)
1/2 cup chopped carrots (for a touch of sweetness and color)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
For the Savory Sauce:
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds depth and color)
1.5 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (my secret ingredient for umami!)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or other favorite herbs like oregano or rosemary)
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Optional Toppings/Add-ins:
1/2 cup frozen peas or corn, added in the last 5 minutes of cooking
Shredded cheddar cheese, for melting on top
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet and Brown the Beef
Grab a large, oven-safe skillet – my trusty cast iron is usually what I reach for. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and crumbly and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, leaving just a little bit for flavor and to help sauté the veggies. This browning step is crucial for developing that deep, rich beefy flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the onion starts to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic! Toss in your chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to have a little bite, not be mushy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Now, let’s create that magical sauce. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables and stir well, cooking for about a minute to toast the flour slightly. This helps prevent any raw flour taste. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until it darkens slightly. Pour in the beef broth and the Worcestershire sauce. Add your dried thyme and pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor!
Step 4: Simmer and Meld Flavors
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it bubble gently, uncovered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re adding frozen peas or corn, now’s the time to stir them in. Continue to simmer until they’re heated through and tender.
Step 5: Check Seasoning and Serve
Give the ground beef skillet a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more broth; if it’s too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer or make a quick slurry of a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and stir it in.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Melt
If you’re a cheese lover like me, now’s the time to add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. You can either cover the skillet for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and gooey, or pop the whole skillet under the broiler for just a minute until bubbly and golden (watch it closely!).
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!
Ladle the delicious ground beef skillet into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of freshness and color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is also a lovely addition if you like a creamy, cooling contrast. Serve it up hot and watch everyone dig in!
What to Serve It With
This ground beef skillet is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways, depending on your mood and the occasion. For a quick and easy breakfast that’s way more satisfying than cereal, I love to serve a small portion topped with a perfectly fried or poached egg. The runny yolk creates its own delicious sauce! For a casual brunch, it’s fantastic served alongside some crusty bread for dipping, or even spooned over some toasted English muffins. It feels a little more elevated without any extra effort. As a comforting dessert alternative (yes, I’ve done it!), a small, rich portion can be surprisingly satisfying, especially if you’ve made it slightly spicier. But my absolute favorite is for cozy weeknight dinners. It’s hearty enough on its own, but I often serve it with a simple side salad – a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. You could also pair it with some fluffy mashed potatoes or even a side of rice if you want to go all out. My family loves it with a side of garlic bread, and who am I to argue with that?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Skillet
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this ground beef skillet absolutely shine. For the veggies, don’t overcook them in the initial sauté. You want them tender-crisp so they still have some bite and don’t turn to mush when the sauce is added. I’ve made the mistake of chopping my zucchini too small once, and it just disappeared. Aim for about half-inch dice. When it comes to browning the beef, really let it get some nice color. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re doubling the recipe, cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming. For the sauce, if you’re not using flour, don’t worry! The tomato paste and the reduction process will thicken it nicely, but flour adds that extra layer of velvety texture. Worcestershire sauce is a non-negotiable for me here; it just adds this incredible depth of flavor that you can’t quite put your finger on but makes all the difference. Taste, taste, taste! Seriously, seasoning is everything. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper at the end. And if you’re feeling adventurous with flavor swaps, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra zing. My kids actually prefer it without the red pepper flakes, so I often add them to my own bowl. I learned the hard way that if you add frozen vegetables too early, they can make the sauce watery, so adding them in the last 5-10 minutes is key. For a bit of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end can be a game-changer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This ground beef skillet is fantastic for leftovers, which is another reason I love it so much. Once it’s cooled down, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It generally stays good for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more so, the next day! For reheating, the stovetop is my preferred method. I’ll place a portion in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth, and stir gently until heated through. This helps revive the moisture and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, of course, just make sure to cover it to trap in steam. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’ve added cheese on top and are reheating, you might want to add a fresh sprinkle of cheese after heating, as the texture can sometimes change a bit. I usually prefer to add the cheese right before serving if I’m not eating it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this ground beef skillet a try. It’s more than just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of comfort, ease, and deliciousness all rolled into one. It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly special and satisfying. It’s forgiving, it’s flavorful, and it’s something the whole family can get excited about. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a quick weeknight savior or a beginner wanting to build confidence in the kitchen, this ground beef skillet is an absolute winner. If you love this, you might also enjoy my {Link to another savory skillet recipe} or my {Link to a hearty stew recipe} for more comforting, one-pan wonders. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below to share your experience, any variations you tried, or how your family enjoyed it. Happy cooking, and happy eating!
ground beef skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounce, undrained
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover until melted.
- Serve hot, as is or over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Featured Comments
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“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from ground beef skillet.”
