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Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Easy Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet
Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and ready in no time? Meet the Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet! This is the recipe healthy eaters crave, the secret busy parents wish they had, and the solution to every “what’s for dinner?” dilemma.
With juicy ground beef, colorful veggies, and zesty seasonings, this easy skillet recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It checks all the boxes for a healthy family meal—high in protein, loaded with fiber, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a meal-prepping pro or just trying to get a wholesome meal on the table fast, this one-pan wonder will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
If you’re searching for quick dinner ideas that satisfy everyone at the table, you’re in the right place. Bonus? There’s only one pan to wash!
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet
This dish has a magic trick up its sleeve. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:
- Quick and easy: Everything cooks in one skillet in about 25 minutes.
- Nutrient-rich: Plenty of veggies and protein keep bellies full and happy.
- Perfect for families: The mild, savory flavors appeal to all ages.
- Minimal cleanup: One pan means washing up takes seconds.
- Customizable: Toss in whatever veggies you have on hand!
Craving a weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on health or taste? The Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is it!
Ingredients for the Perfect Veggie Skillet
One reason you’ll love this recipe is how forgiving it is. Missing a bell pepper? No problem. Want to make it vegetarian? Easy. Here’s the basic line-up, plus some tasty substitutions:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (For a lighter option, swap with ground turkey or chicken.)
- 1 onion, diced (Red, yellow, or white all work.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Jarred garlic is fine in a pinch.)
- 2 bell peppers, diced ( Any color! Try poblano or Anaheim for more kick.)
- 1 zucchini, chopped (Or substitute yellow squash, broccoli florets, or chopped spinach.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (No tomatoes? Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) or skip them altogether.)
- 1 cup corn kernels (Frozen, canned, or fresh off the cob all taste great.)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (Try kidney beans, white beans, or lentils instead.)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (Adjust for your preferred spice level.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (Adds earthy warmth; optional but recommended.)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (Regular paprika is fine too.)
- 1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Season to taste!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Or your cooking oil of choice.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or feta)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- A squeeze of lime
- Sliced avocado
Have a veggie you love? Toss it in! Leftover mushrooms, spinach, shredded carrots, or even frozen peas can join the party.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Ground Beef Dinner
Cooking shouldn’t be stressful. Here’s how to whip up your skillet masterpiece:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (10-12 inches) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula. Sauté until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: If your beef is fatty, drain the excess before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and the onion is translucent. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Stir in the bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Sprinkle the mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together so the spices coat every bite.
Step 4: Simmer and Blend
Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the veggies are tender but still vibrant. The tomatoes will release their juice, creating a saucy base.
Step 5: Taste and Top
Remove from the heat and taste for salt and pepper. Adjust if needed. Serve hot and add your favorite toppings like cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
[Optional] Step 6: Make It Instagrammable
Top with avocado and a sprinkle of cilantro for maximum color and flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to snap a photo before digging in!
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Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
There’s no wrong way to make this skillet your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or swap regular paprika for hot smoked paprika.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap corn and beans for more leafy greens, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice.
- Veggie-Forward Twist: Double up on your favorite veggies and use plant-based “ground beef” for a vegetarian version. Love lentils? They work too!
- Mediterranean Style: Skip the chili powder and cumin. Add oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and top with crumbled feta and olives.
- Kid Appeal: Add a handful of shredded cheese right to the skillet and serve with tortilla chips for a kid-friendly nacho bowl.
- Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time for dinner, everything comes together in a flash!
Read More: 10 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes for Busy Families
Make This Ground Beef Recipe Tonight
There you have it! An Easy Skillet Recipe that transforms humble ground beef and whatever veggies you have into a quick, nourishing dinner. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or whenever you want a healthy family meal that everyone actually asks for again.
If you give this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet a try, snap a pic and tag us on Pinterest with #VeggieSkilletDreams—I’d love to see your creations!
Have your own favorite twist on this recipe? Share your ideas in the comments so we can all level up our ground beef dinners together. Now, go forth and skillet!
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Hello, my name is Mary. I’m a passionate food and drink enthusiast, sharing flavorful recipes, creative drinks, and culinary inspiration from around the world. With a love for exploring new tastes and traditions, I bring a mix of easy-to-follow guides and expert tips to make every meal an adventure. Follow along for delicious discoveries and a toast to positive living!