Let’s be honest, finding new and exciting ground beef recipes for dinner can feel like a chore. You want something fast. You need something the whole family will actually eat. And you definitely want something that tastes amazing without a ton of effort. I get it completely.
That’s why I am so excited to share this simple beef and vegetable skillet. It has quickly become one of our favorite easy meals with ground beef. It is packed with fresh veggies and a savory sauce that is just so good. You are going to love it.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly fast. We are talking about one of those truly quick dinner ideas that you can get on the table in under 30 minutes. It is a lifesaver on those super busy weeknights when you are short on time and energy.
It’s also amazingly flexible. You can swap out the vegetables for whatever you have in your fridge. This makes it a great recipe for using up produce before it goes bad. What a great way to clean out the crisper drawer, right?
Plus, this is one of those fantastic kid friendly dinners. The sauce has a touch of sweetness from maple syrup that kids really enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to get them to eat more vegetables without any complaints. It is a win for everyone.
This is one of my go to dinner ideas with ground beef because it is all made in one pan. That means less cleanup after dinner, which is always a huge bonus in my book. More time relaxing and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Ingredients
Here is the simple list of ingredients you will need. This recipe uses common items that are easy to find at any grocery store. Nothing fancy here, just straightforward goodness for one of the best ground beef recipes for dinner.
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms or baby bella, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Chives or green onions, optional for garnish
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or GF Tamari)
- 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (original, sweet, or smoky)
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 tsp ginger (grated, frozen cube, or 1/4 tsp ground)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps and you will have a delicious dinner ready in no time. This is one of those easy meals with ground beef you’ll make again and again.
Step 1: Mix The Sauce
First things first, let’s get that yummy sauce ready. Grab a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup. Add the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. Then just set it aside for later. Easy peasy.
Step 2: Brown The Beef
Now it is time for the beef. Get a large skillet or a wok and place it over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if your pan needs it. Add the ground beef and start cooking it. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces.
You will want to sauté it for about five minutes. The goal is to get it fully cooked through and nicely browned. That browning part is important because it adds so much flavor. Once it’s cooked, transfer the beef to a separate bowl, but leave any rendered fat in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté The Veggies
Take a look at your skillet. If there isn’t much oil left from the beef, add another little splash. Now, toss in all of your beautiful veggies. The sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and julienned carrots go right in.
Sauté and stir them frequently for about two to three minutes. You want the zucchini to be about halfway done and still a little crunchy. Be careful not to overcook them now. They will cook a bit more with the sauce, and nobody likes mushy vegetables.
Step 4: Add The Ground Beef And Sauce
It’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Now pour that delicious sauce you made earlier all over everything. Stir it all together to coat the beef and veggies.
Let it cook, stirring every now and then, for about two minutes. You will know it is ready when it becomes fragrant. This gives the garlic and ginger a chance to cook lightly. The zucchini should be perfectly crisp tender at this point. This is one of my favorite ground beef recipes for dinner for a reason.
Step 5: Season And Serve
Give it a final taste. Add a little salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. That’s it, you are done! Serve this delicious meal over freshly cooked rice or inside crisp lettuce cups for a lower carb option. Garnish with some fresh chives if you like.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. Or, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium low heat until it is heated through. This is one of those dinner ideas with ground beef that tastes great the next day.
Tips
Want to mix things up? Feel free to swap the vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even snow peas would be delicious in this dish. It is a great way to customize your meal based on what you have.
Not a fan of beef? You can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. The cooking time will be very similar. It makes for some really easy meals with ground beef alternatives.
If you like a little spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add a squirt of sriracha for some extra heat. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more or less maple syrup to your liking.
Looking for other serving ideas? This dish is fantastic over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even your favorite noodles. It turns simple ground beef recipes for dinner into a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, fast, and flavorful meal that is sure to become a family favorite. It checks all the boxes for a great weeknight dinner. It is proof that you do not need complicated recipes to make something wonderful.
The next time you are wondering what to make, I hope you remember this dish. It is one of the most reliable ground beef recipes for dinner you will find. It is a true crowd pleaser and a great addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Ground Beef?
Absolutely. I used 80/20 ground beef for its flavor, but you can use a leaner blend like 90/10 or 93/7 if you prefer. Just be sure to add a little extra oil to the pan when browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, as leaner beef will not render as much fat.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten free. The key is to use a gluten free soy sauce substitute like Tamari, which I mentioned in the ingredients list. Also, double check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten free, as some brands contain gluten.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This is one of those really adaptable dinner ideas with ground beef. You can add so many different vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, edamame, or even water chestnuts would all be great additions. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for heartier vegetables.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can cook it completely, let it cool, and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. It makes for some really quick dinner ideas when you just need to reheat and eat.
Easy Beef and Vegetable Skillet
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Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, let’s get that yummy sauce ready. Grab a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup. Add the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. Then just set it aside for later. Easy peasy.
- Now it is time for the beef. Get a large skillet or a wok and place it over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if your pan needs it. Add the ground beef and start cooking it. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces.
- You will want to sauté it for about five minutes. The goal is to get it fully cooked through and nicely browned. That browning part is important because it adds so much flavor. Once it’s cooked, transfer the beef to a separate bowl, but leave any rendered fat in the pan.
- Take a look at your skillet. If there isn’t much oil left from the beef, add another little splash. Now, toss in all of your beautiful veggies. The sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and julienned carrots go right in.
- Sauté and stir them frequently for about two to three minutes. You want the zucchini to be about halfway done and still a little crunchy. Be careful not to overcook them now. They will cook a bit more with the sauce, and nobody likes mushy vegetables.
- It’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Now pour that delicious sauce you made earlier all over everything. Stir it all together to coat the beef and veggies.
- Let it cook, stirring every now and then, for about two minutes. You will know it is ready when it becomes fragrant. This gives the garlic and ginger a chance to cook lightly. The zucchini should be perfectly crisp tender at this point. This is one of my favorite ground beef recipes for dinner for a reason.
- Give it a final taste. Add a little salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. That’s it, you are done! Serve this delicious meal over freshly cooked rice or inside crisp lettuce cups for a lower carb option. Garnish with some fresh chives if you like.
Notes
Want to mix things up? Feel free to swap the vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even snow peas would be delicious in this dish. It is a great way to customize your meal based on what you have.
Not a fan of beef? You can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. The cooking time will be very similar. It makes for some really easy meals with ground beef alternatives.
If you like a little spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add a squirt of sriracha for some extra heat. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more or less maple syrup to your liking.
Looking for other serving ideas? This dish is fantastic over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even your favorite noodles. It turns simple ground beef recipes for dinner into a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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