You finish a long day of work. You are tired. You stare into the refrigerator and wonder what to make for dinner. We have all been there. You want something homemade, but you do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is exactly why we love **Easy Ground Beef Recipes**. They are the reliable heroes of weeknight cooking. Ground beef is affordable, versatile, and cooks quickly. It is the ideal protein for when you need to get food on the table fast.
Many people get stuck making the same tacos or spaghetti every week. While those are tasty, sometimes you need a change. You want **Quick Dinner Ideas** that pack in nutrition without sacrificing flavor. That is where this Ground Beef Veggie Skillet shines. It combines savory beef with fresh, colorful vegetables in a rich sauce. It is a complete meal in one pan.
This dish is one of those **Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes** that you will return to again and again. It requires minimal prep work. The cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it is adaptable to whatever vegetables you have in your crisper drawer. Let us dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation and how you can make it tonight.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this meal. First and foremost, it respects your time. You can have the entire dish ready in about 33 minutes. That is faster than ordering takeout and waiting for delivery. When you are hunting for **Quick Ground Beef Recipes**, speed is usually the top priority. This recipe delivers on that promise.
Another huge plus is the health factor. Many comfort foods can feel heavy. This skillet is light yet filling. It is packed with zucchini, broccoli, and peppers. You get a great dose of vitamins and fiber in every bite. It proves that **Ground Beef Dishes** can be nutritious and balanced. You do not have to choose between healthy and hearty.
Cleanup is often the worst part of cooking. Nobody likes scrubbing pots and pans after eating. This recipe uses just one large skillet. You cook the beef and the veggies in the same pan. This means fewer dishes in the sink and more time to relax. It is a practical solution for busy home cooks who value efficiency.
Finally, this meal is incredibly budget friendly. Ground beef is often cheaper than steak or seafood. The vegetables used here are affordable staples. You can feed a family of four without breaking the bank. It is a smart way to stretch your grocery dollars while still enjoying a delicious, restaurant quality meal at home.
Ingredients
The secret to the best **Easy Ground Beef Recipes** lies in using fresh, simple ingredients. You do not need a long list of fancy items. Here is what you will need to gather for this tasty skillet.
- 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
Let us talk about the beef for a moment. We recommend grass fed beef if you can find it. It often has a deeper, richer flavor profile compared to conventional beef. However, standard lean ground beef works perfectly well too. Use what fits your budget. The goal is to keep this accessible.
The vegetables provide the crunch and color. Zucchini brings a nice softness once cooked. Broccoli adds texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Red bell pepper gives the dish a natural sweetness that balances the savory meat. Red onion offers a sharper bite that mellows out as it simmers. Together, they create a vibrant mix.
For the sauce elements, tomato paste is crucial. It adds umami and body to the skillet. It helps coat the ingredients so they are not just swimming in water. Soy sauce (or coconut aminos) brings the saltiness and depth. Garlic, of course, ties everything together with its aromatic punch. Fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of green and a fresh finish.
Step By Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward. You do not need any advanced culinary skills. Just follow these simple steps to create one of the tastiest **Easy Ground Beef Recipes** you have ever tried.
Step 1: Brown The Beef
Start by grabbing your largest skillet. Place it on the stove and turn the heat to medium high. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let it shimmer slightly so you know it is hot. Add the pound of ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart.
Cook the beef for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to brown nicely. Once the meat is mostly cooked, toss in the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. The onions should start to look translucent and smell amazing.
Step 2: Prep The Veggies
Here is a time saving tip for you. While the beef is browning in step one, use that time to chop your vegetables. Cut the zucchini into cubes. Break the broccoli into small florets. Chop the red bell pepper. This multitasking makes the process much faster. It ensures you are not standing around waiting.
Step 3: Simmer The Skillet
Now that your beef is ready, it is time to add the vegetables. Dump in the zucchini, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir well to mix them with the meat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and the tomato paste. Stir again to ensure the sauce coats everything evenly.
Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but still keep a little bit of crunch. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time. This simmering step marries all the flavors together.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
Remove the lid and give it one final stir. Check the seasoning. Does it need a pinch more salt? Adjust it to your liking. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color. Serve it immediately while it is hot. It is great on its own or over rice.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about **Ground Beef Dishes** like this one is that they store wonderfully. If you have leftovers, you are in luck. Lunch the next day will be delicious. Allow the food to cool down completely before you put it away. This prevents moisture buildup.
Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often meld even more overnight, making it taste better the next day. It is a fantastic option for meal prep if you like to plan your lunches ahead of time.
Can you freeze it? Yes, you can. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer safe container or bag. It will last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until it is hot throughout. You may need to add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips
Want to get the most out of your **Quick Ground Beef Recipes**? Here are some helpful pointers to ensure success every time you cook this meal. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.
First, do not overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. If you use a small pan, the beef might steam instead of brown. You want that nice sear for flavor. Use a large skillet to give the ingredients plenty of room to cook evenly. This helps develop a richer taste.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. This recipe is very forgiving. If you do not like zucchini, try yellow squash. If you are out of broccoli, green beans work well too. Mushrooms are another great addition for an earthy flavor. Use whatever you have on hand to reduce food waste.
For those who like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. A pinch of chili flakes added with the garlic will give the dish a nice kick. It wakes up the palate without being overpowering. You can also drizzle a little sriracha on top before serving for extra spice.
If you want to boost the tomato flavor, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste. As noted in the recipe, this helps thicken the sauce further and deepens the color. It makes the dish feel a bit more hearty, almost like a deconstructed stew. It is a simple trick that works wonders.
Consider your side dishes. While this is a complete meal, it pairs well with grains. Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice. For a lower carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice. It soaks up the savory juices perfectly. Quinoa is another healthy grain that complements these flavors.
Lastly, think about meat swaps. If you are trying to eat less red meat, this recipe works with ground turkey or ground chicken. The cooking time remains roughly the same. Just be sure to season generously, as poultry can sometimes be milder in flavor than beef.
Conclusion
Finding reliable and **Easy Ground Beef Recipes** can transform your weeknight routine. This veggie skillet proves that you do not need hours of time or expensive ingredients to make a fantastic meal. It is fast, healthy, and full of bold flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Whether you are a beginner cook or a kitchen pro, this recipe is a keeper. It checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner. It is low stress and high reward. Next time you are stuck wondering what to make, remember this dish. It might just become one of your favorite **Quick Dinner Ideas**.
Give it a try tonight. Grab some ground beef and whatever veggies you have. You will be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Enjoy the process of cooking a wholesome meal for yourself or your loved ones. Happy cooking!
FAQ
You might have a few questions before you get started. Here are some common inquiries we get about this recipe and other Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes.
Can I Make This Without Gluten?
Yes, absolutely. The only ingredient to watch out for is soy sauce, which often contains wheat. To make this free of gluten, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce. All the other ingredients are naturally safe for a gluten free diet.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
You sure can. Frozen veggies are a great time saver. You do not even need to thaw them first. Just toss them into the skillet frozen. You might need to simmer the dish for an extra minute or two to ensure they are heated through. It makes the meal even faster to prep.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
Not at all. As written, this recipe is mild and savory. It is very kid friendly. If you prefer **Quick Ground Beef Recipes** with a kick, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce. However, the base recipe relies on garlic, soy, and tomato for flavor rather than heat.
What If I Do Not Have A Large Skillet?
If you do not have a large skillet, you can use a dutch oven or a large soup pot. The key is just having enough surface area to brown the meat effectively. Once the meat is cooked, a deeper pot works fine for simmering the vegetables and sauce.
Can I Add Cheese?
Cheese makes everything better, right? While not in the traditional recipe, a sprinkle of parmesan or cheddar on top would be tasty. Add it right at the end when you garnish with parsley. Let it melt slightly before serving for a creamy addition.
Easy Ground Beef Veggie Skillet
This easy skillet combines savory ground beef with fresh, colorful zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers in a rich sauce. It’s a satisfying, healthy meal ready in about 33 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes, browning it thoroughly. While the beef cooks, chop your vegetables: zucchini into cubes, broccoli into small florets, and red bell pepper.
- Once the beef is mostly browned, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent.
- Drain any excess fat. Add the cubed zucchini, broccoli florets, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Season with pepper and salt to taste. Stir in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and tomato paste, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Remove the lid, give a final stir, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This recipe freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
For the best flavor and texture, avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef.
Customize with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or green beans.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Nutrition
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