Let’s talk about weeknight dinners. You know, that time around 5 PM when everyone is hungry and you need something fast, healthy, and delicious. It can be a real challenge. Finding good easy dinner recipes that everyone in the family will actually eat sometimes feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. I get it, I really do.
That is why I am so excited to share this one pan beef and veggie skillet. This dish has become a staple in my home. It is one of those fantastic easy weeknight dinners that tastes like you spent hours on it, but it actually comes together in about 30 minutes. Seriously! It is packed with colorful vegetables and savory ground beef, all coated in a light, flavorful sauce. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this one of my favorite easy food recipes to recommend? Oh, let me count the ways. First off, the cleanup is an absolute breeze. Everything cooks in a single skillet. Yes, you heard that right. One pan. That means fewer dishes to wash, which is a huge win in my book.
Another reason to love this meal is its flexibility. It’s a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have lingering in your fridge. Got some mushrooms or carrots? Throw them in! This makes it one of the best cheap dinners for a family because you can adapt it based on what is on sale or in season. No waste, just taste.
It is also incredibly satisfying. You get a balanced meal with protein, tons of vegetables, and a whole lot of flavor. It is hearty enough to fill you up without feeling heavy. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that makes you feel good about what you are feeding your family.
Plus, it is just so colorful and appealing. We eat with our eyes first, right? The bright red peppers, deep green broccoli, and rich brown beef look so inviting in the pan. It is a feast for the senses before it even hits the plate. It’s proof that quick dinner ideas do not have to be boring or beige.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this wonderful skillet meal. The list is simple and full of fresh, whole foods.
- 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 for garnish
A quick word on the ingredients. I suggest grass fed beef for its flavor and nutritional profile, but any ground beef will work well. For the vegetables, feel free to get creative. This combination is delicious, but part of the fun of easy dinner recipes is making them your own.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Follow these steps, and you will have dinner on the table in no time. It is one of the easiest easy weeknight dinners you will ever make.
Step 1: Cook The Beef And Aromatics
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want to see some nice browning on the meat.
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the whole dish.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
Here is a great time saving tip. While the beef is cooking, chop your vegetables. This is a common practice in professional kitchens called ‘mise en place’, which means getting everything ready. It makes the cooking process so much smoother and is a key to mastering quick dinner ideas.
Get your zucchini, broccoli, and red bell pepper all chopped and ready to go. By the time the beef is done, your veggies will be waiting. No frantic chopping while your meat overcooks!
Step 3: Combine Everything And Simmer
Now it is time to bring it all together. Add the chopped zucchini, broccoli, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Give everything a good stir to combine all those beautiful colors and textures.
Next, season with salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and the soy sauce or coconut aminos. Stir again until everything is evenly coated. The tomato paste adds a wonderful depth and a bit of color, and it also helps thicken the sauce.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften to a tender crisp texture and lets the sauce thicken up nicely. The aroma at this point is just fantastic.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
Once the vegetables are tender, your dinner is ready. Turn off the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve it hot right from the skillet. It is truly one of the most straightforward easy dinner recipes.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the skillet to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Reheating is just as easy. You can warm it up in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Or, you can gently reheat it in a skillet on the stove over medium low heat until it is warmed through. The leftovers make a great lunch the next day!
Tips
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips and tricks I have learned along the way. These will help you get the most out of this versatile recipe.
First, do not overcrowd your pan. If your skillet is too small, the vegetables will steam instead of sauté. This can make them a bit soggy. Use a large skillet to give everything enough space to cook evenly and develop great flavor.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. This is a perfect opportunity to clean out the fridge. Asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, or even cauliflower would be delicious additions. This flexibility is what makes it one of the best cheap dinners for a family.
Do not be afraid to add more flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice bit of heat. A teaspoon of dried oregano or some smoked paprika can add another layer of complexity. Cooking is all about making it your own.
Think about how you want to serve it. This skillet is a complete meal on its own. However, it is also wonderful served over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low carb option. This is a great way to stretch the meal further.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A delicious, healthy, and incredibly simple meal that is perfect for any night of the week. This recipe proves that finding amazing easy dinner recipes doesn’t have to be a chore. With just one pan and about 30 minutes, you can create a meal your whole family will enjoy.
I hope this beef and veggie skillet becomes one of your go to easy weeknight dinners. It is a reliable, tasty, and budget friendly option that never disappoints. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken would work wonderfully in this recipe. You could even use lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. This flexibility is why it’s such a great template for quick dinner ideas.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten free. The only ingredient to watch out for is soy sauce. To keep it gluten free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Both are excellent substitutes that provide a similar savory flavor.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you have a few options. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper. You could also chop up a fresh jalapeño and cook it with the onions and garlic for an extra kick.
What Other Vegetables Work Well In This Skillet?
So many other vegetables would be great here! Think about adding sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, green beans, or asparagus. This is one of those easy food recipes that invites experimentation. Use what you have and what you love.
One-Pan Beef & Veggie Skillet
This skillet meal is a staple for easy weeknight dinners, tasting like hours of effort but ready in about 30 minutes. Packed with colorful vegetables and savory ground beef, it’s all coated in a light, flavorful sauce.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until you see some nice browning on the meat.
- Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the whole dish.
- While the beef is cooking, chop your zucchini, broccoli, and red bell pepper. This ‘mise en place’ makes the cooking process smoother.
- Add the chopped zucchini, broccoli florets, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Give everything a good stir to combine all those beautiful colors and textures.
- Next, season with salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and the soy sauce or coconut aminos. Stir again until everything is evenly coated. The tomato paste adds wonderful depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften to a tender-crisp texture and lets the sauce thicken up nicely. The aroma at this point is fantastic.
- Once the vegetables are tender, your dinner is ready. Turn off the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve it hot right from the skillet.
Notes
To avoid soggy vegetables, ensure you do not overcrowd your pan. Use a large skillet to allow everything enough space to cook evenly.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. Asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, or even cauliflower would be delicious additions, making this dish versatile and budget-friendly.
Enhance the flavor with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a teaspoon of dried oregano or smoked paprika for added complexity.
Serve this complete meal on its own, or over fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, to stretch the meal further.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
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