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Easy One Pan Skillet Ground Beef Dinner

one pan skillet ground beef dinner - featured image

A quick and easy one pan skillet ground beef dinner perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no-salt-added preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add diced onion and bell peppers to the empty side with a splash of oil if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir beef and veggies together.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Stir well to combine.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. If using, stir in corn kernels about 5 minutes before the end of cooking to warm through.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add more broth or water. If watery, simmer longer uncovered. Avoid burning garlic by adding it after veggies soften. Drain excess fat after browning beef for a lighter sauce. Fresh spices improve flavor. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Optional toppings include sour cream or shredded cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, quick family meal, easy skillet dinner, weeknight dinner, simple ground beef