We all have those days where 5pm rolls around and we have no idea what to cook. You stare into the fridge hoping for inspiration to strike. When you need something reliable and satisfying you often turn to Easy Ground Beef Recipes. Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient that saves the day time and time again. It cooks fast and pairs well with almost anything you have in the pantry.
This particular recipe is a life saver for busy families. It combines savory beef with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and zesty taco seasoning. The best part is that it all comes together in a single skillet. You get a complete meal without a sink full of dirty dishes. If you have been hunting for Easy Ground Beef Recipes that are actually healthy and taste amazing this is the one for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish will become a regular in your kitchen rotation. First and foremost it is incredibly fast. You can go from raw ingredients to a hot dinner in about 20 to 25 minutes. Speed is essential when you are hungry and tired after a long day of work. You do not need any fancy gadgets or complicated techniques here. It is straightforward cooking at its finest.
Another reason to love this meal is the nutrition factor. Many Quick Ground Beef Recipes rely heavily on pasta or cheese but this one focuses on fresh produce. You get a great dose of vitamins from the bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. It is a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without feeling like you are eating rabbit food. The taco seasoning ties everything together so even picky eaters enjoy the veggies.
Finally this recipe is budget friendly. Ground beef is often more affordable than steak or seafood and you can stretch the meat further by adding all these vegetables. It is one of those Easy Meals With Ground Beef that fills you up without breaking the bank. You can also customize it based on whatever produce is on sale at your local market. It is flexible, tasty, and practical for real life.
Ingredients
To make one of the best Easy Ground Beef Recipes you need simple fresh ingredients. Everything listed here should be easy to find at any grocery store. Using fresh vegetables makes a huge difference in the final texture and flavor of the dish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2.5 tablespoons Taco seasoning
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (red, green and yellow)
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnishing
When selecting your beef try to go for a lean blend like 90/10 or 85/15. This ensures you have enough fat for flavor but not so much that the dish becomes greasy. If you only have higher fat beef on hand just be sure to drain the excess grease after browning the meat. For the peppers using a mix of colors adds visual appeal but you can stick to just green or red if that is what you have.
Step By Step Instructions
Making this skillet is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create one of our favorite Easy Ground Beef Recipes. The key is layering the ingredients so everything cooks perfectly without getting mushy.
Step 1: Brown The Beef
Start by heating a heavy cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot add your pound of lean ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to cook it until it is browned through which usually takes about 5 minutes. Getting a nice sear on the beef adds a depth of flavor that is essential for good Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spice
Once the beef is cooked it is time to build the flavor base. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and sauté for about a minute. You want the onion to soften slightly and the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly. Cooking the spices briefly helps wake up their oils.
Step 3: Simmer With Tomato
Next add the chopped large tomato to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook. You want to continue cooking until the beef is fully done and the liquid from the tomato has reduced slightly. This generally takes 7 to 10 minutes. This step allows the savory taco flavors to meld into the meat creating a rich and saucy base that defines the best Easy Ground Beef Recipes.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Veggies
Towards the very end of the cooking process add your chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Mix them in well with the beef mixture. You only need to cook this for about 2 minutes. The goal is to heat the vegetables through while keeping them crisp and crunchy. Overcooking them will result in a mushy texture so keep an eye on the clock.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Top the dish with plenty of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve the skillet mixture while it is hot. You can eat it as is or pair it with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra salsa. This fresh finish is what makes this one of the freshest Easy Meals With Ground Beef around.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the great things about Easy Ground Beef Recipes is that they often taste even better the next day. If you have leftovers allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the beef and veggie mixture in the refrigerator for up to four days. It makes for an excellent quick lunch that you can reheat in the microwave in just a few minutes.
This recipe is also freezer friendly. You can freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Just keep in mind that the zucchini might lose some of its crunch once thawed and reheated. To reheat from frozen let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through.
Tips
If you want to get the most out of your Easy Ground Beef Recipes try these simple tips. They help you customize the dish to your taste and make the cooking process even smoother.
First consider your vegetable cuts. Try to chop your bell peppers and zucchini into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. If you have some chunks that are huge and others that are tiny you will end up with an uneven texture. Uniform chopping is a secret pro tip for all Quick Ground Beef Recipes.
You can also stretch this meal further by adding beans. A can of black beans or pinto beans rinsed and drained makes a great addition. Add them at the same time as the tomatoes. This adds extra fiber and protein making the meal even more filling. It is a smart budget hack for anyone looking for Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef that feed a crowd.
Feel free to get creative with serving suggestions. While this skillet is delicious on its own it is also very versatile. You can serve it over steamed white rice or brown rice for a hearty bowl. For a low carb option serve it over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce cups. It also makes a fantastic filling for soft tacos or burritos.
Adjust the spice level to suit your family. If you like things spicy add a diced jalapeño along with the onions or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. If you are cooking for kids who are sensitive to heat stick to a mild taco seasoning. The beauty of Easy Ground Beef Recipes is that you are in total control of the heat.
Don’t forget the toppings. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice creamy element that balances the spices. Sliced avocado or guacamole adds healthy fats. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating really brightens up all the flavors in the skillet.
Conclusion
This veggie beef skillet proves that dinner does not have to be complicated to be delicious. It ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. It is fast, healthy, and requires minimal cleanup. When you have a collection of reliable Easy Ground Beef Recipes up your sleeve you never have to stress about what to feed your family.
Give this recipe a try next time you are short on time but want something homemade. It brings fresh ingredients and bold flavors together in a way that feels effortless. Whether you serve it over rice or eat it straight from the bowl it is sure to satisfy. Add this to your list of go to Easy Ground Beef Recipes and enjoy a stress free dinner tonight.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken works very well in this recipe. Since poultry is leaner you might need to add a splash of olive oil when sautéing the onions and garlic to prevent sticking. It is a simple swap that keeps the dish light and healthy while still fitting into the category of Quick Ground Beef Recipes variations.
Is this recipe gluten free?
This recipe is naturally gluten free provided your taco seasoning is gluten free. Some prepackaged seasoning mixes contain wheat as a thickener so always check the label. If you make your own spice blend you can be 100% sure. It is one of the safest Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add cheese to this skillet?
Cheese is a wonderful addition. You can sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend over the top right at the end. Cover the pan for a minute to let the cheese melt before garnishing with cilantro. Adding cheese turns this into one of those ultra comforting Easy Meals With Ground Beef that kids adore.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is great for heat distribution you can use any large frying pan or sauté pan. Just make sure it is large enough to hold all the vegetables. A nonstick pan works perfectly fine for Easy Ground Beef Recipes like this one and makes cleanup even faster.
Easy Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet
A lifesaver for busy families! This one-pan ground beef and veggie skillet is a fast, healthy, and tasty weeknight dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes. No-fuss cooking at its finest.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the beef is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
For even cooking, chop your bell peppers and zucchini into uniform pieces.
Stretch the meal by adding a can of rinsed black or pinto beans along with the tomatoes.
Serve over rice, in lettuce cups, or as a filling for tacos.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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