We have all been there. You are staring into the refrigerator after a long day. You see a package of meat and a drawer full of vegetables. You need inspiration for Recipes With Ground Beef that are not just burgers or tacos.
You want something wholesome. You need a meal that comes together fast without creating a mountain of dishes. This veggie packed skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It is savory, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Finding reliable Recipes With Ground Beef that are also healthy can feel like a challenge. Often, comfort food relies heavily on cheese or heavy pasta. This recipe changes that narrative completely.
You will appreciate how light this meal feels. It is full of fiber and protein but does not weigh you down. The flavors are bright and savory thanks to a simple sauce blend.
Another reason to love this is the speed. It fits perfectly into a collection of Easy Meals With Ground Beef. You chop the vegetables while the meat cooks. This efficient flow gets dinner on the table faster.
Cleanup is a breeze too. Everything happens in one large skillet. No boiling pots for water. No baking sheets to scrub. Just one pan and a spatula are all you need.
It is also budget friendly. Ground beef is often more affordable than steak or roasts. By bulking it up with zucchini and broccoli, you stretch the meat further to feed more people.
This dish is very adaptable. You can use whatever produce is in season. It is a fantastic way to clear out the produce drawer before you go grocery shopping again.
Finally, the taste is crowd pleasing. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the savory glaze that coats the broccoli and beef. It is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas that actually tastes like it took hours.
Ingredients
The beauty of the best Recipes With Ground Beef lies in simplicity. You do not need exotic spices or hard to find items. You likely have most of these in your pantry right now.
- 1 lb grass fed ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups zucchini (cubed)
- 1 cup broccoli (florets)
- 3/4 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley
Ingredient Notes:
For the beef, I recommend grass fed if your budget allows. It often has a richer mineral taste. However, any lean ground beef works well here. You can even swap for turkey if you prefer.
The tomato paste is crucial. It adds a deep umami flavor that makes this one of the tastiest Recipes With Ground Beef. Do not skip it.
If you are watching your sodium, use low sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos are a great alternative if you are avoiding soy or gluten entirely. It adds a slight sweetness that is very pleasant.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This process is straightforward. We layer the flavors to ensure every bite is delicious. Follow this guide for one of the best Recipes With Ground Beef you will try this year.
Step 1: Cook The Beef
Start by placing a large skillet over medium high heat. Drizzle in your olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef to the pan.
Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Let it brown nicely. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want that nice sear for texture.
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir them in. Cook for another minute or two until the onion smells fragrant and softens slightly.
Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary, though a little bit of fat adds flavor to the vegetables later.
Step 2: Chop The Veggies
Here is a time saving tip. While the beef is browning in step one, use that time to chop your vegetables. This makes the process seamless and efficient.
Cut the zucchini into even cubes. Chop the broccoli into small florets so they cook quickly. Dice your red bell pepper. Uniform pieces help everything cook at the same rate.
Step 3: Combine And Simmer
Now add your prepared vegetables to the skillet. Toss in the zucchini, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir everything well to mix the beef with the colorful produce.
Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Pour in the soy sauce and add the tomato paste. Stir well to ensure the paste coats the meat and veggies evenly.
Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but still keep a little crunch.
The sauce will thicken during this time. It coats the ingredients in a savory glaze that brings the whole dish together.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
Remove the lid and give it one final stir. Taste a piece of zucchini to check for doneness. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it is hot and steaming.
How To Store Leftovers
This dish stores surprisingly well. In fact, many people find that Recipes With Ground Beef like this one taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Allow the skillet mixture to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze this meal. Place portions in freezer safe containers. It will last for about 3 months. Just note that the zucchini may be softer upon reheating.
To reheat, simply use a microwave or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. If it looks dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips
Making Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef should be stress free. Here are a few tips to ensure your skillet turns out perfectly every single time.
Uniform Chopping
Try to cut your vegetables into similar sizes. If the zucchini chunks are huge and the broccoli is tiny, the broccoli will turn to mush before the zucchini is cooked.
Heat Control
Do not rush the browning process. Getting a good sear on the beef adds richness. If you crowd the pan too much or heat it too low, the meat steams instead of browning.
Prep Ahead
You can chop all the vegetables the night before. Store them in the fridge in containers. When you get home from work, you just dump them in the pan.
Customize The Veggies
Do not feel stuck with these specific vegetables. Green beans, asparagus, or mushrooms work beautifully too. Use what you enjoy or what is on sale.
Sauce Adjustments
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
Cooking at home does not have to be complicated. Recipes With Ground Beef like this veggie skillet prove that you can eat well with minimal effort.
This meal checks all the boxes. It is nutritious, colorful, and packed with savory flavor. It is a reliable option for anyone trying to eat more vegetables without sacrificing taste.
Next time you are stuck on what to cook, remember this recipe. It transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels special.
Give it a try this week. You might just find it becomes a regular part of your meal rotation. Let us know how you customized it in your own kitchen.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this dish and other Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. However, they release more water than fresh ones. You might need to simmer the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes to evaporate the excess liquid.
What Should I Serve With This?
This is a complete meal on its own. However, if you want to stretch it, serve it over white rice or quinoa. Cauliflower rice is a great option if you want to keep it low carb.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
It can be easily. Just ensure you use a gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
Can I Make This Spicy?
Absolutely. Quick Dinner Ideas are easy to tweak. Add chili paste, sriracha, or cayenne pepper when you add the tomato paste for some heat.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure you use a very large skillet or a dutch oven so you have enough room to stir everything without spilling.
Veggie Packed Skillet with Ground Beef
This savory, healthy, and incredibly satisfying veggie packed skillet with ground beef comes together fast for a delicious weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. It’s full of fiber and protein, and its adaptable nature means you can use seasonal produce to make it your own.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef to the pan.
- Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and brown for 8 to 10 minutes, getting a nice sear.
- Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir them in and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- While the beef cooks, chop your vegetables: zucchini into even cubes, broccoli into small florets, and dice the red bell pepper.
- Add the prepared vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, bell pepper) to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in the soy sauce and add the tomato paste. Stir well to coat all ingredients.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the lid, stir one final time, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Ensure proper heat for browning beef; avoid crowding the pan.
Prep vegetables ahead by chopping and storing in the fridge.
Customize with other vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or mushrooms.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with garlic for heat.
Nutrition
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