Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or pasta, for serving

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Ideas

I absolutely love whipping up this Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner when I need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but I still want something wholesome and delicious. Featuring ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a blend of spices, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, it's a meal that the whole family will enjoy, and it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables or grains for a personalized touch.

Created by

Isolde Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:05:35.945Z

When I first tried this Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. With a few simple ingredients and less than half an hour, I was able to make a hearty meal that both my children and husband loved. One tip I picked up during my cooking adventures is to use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

As I experimented with different spices, I discovered that smoked paprika really elevates the dish. Pairing it with fresh bell peppers and onions not only adds nutrition but also a pop of color that makes the meal more appetizing. Next time, I plan to try adding black beans for extra protein. It’s all about finding balance and creativity in cooking!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick one-pan cleanup for busy weeknights
Flavorful, seasoned beef paired with colorful veggies
Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner is, of course, the ground beef. I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy while still providing that hearty flavor. Choosing a good quality beef with about 85% lean content will yield the best results. Alternatively, if you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work as well, though they may require a bit more seasoning to enhance flavor.

Vegetables play a key role not just in flavor but also in nutrition. The vibrant combination of green and red bell peppers adds both color and crunch, while the onion and garlic bring depth to the dish. For added versatility, you can swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, and even incorporate greens like spinach or kale for a boost of vitamins. Keep in mind that if you opt for softer veggies, like zucchini, add them later in the cooking process to avoid mushiness.

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Flavor

When cooking the ground beef, it’s crucial to let it brown properly. This step, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction. If the beef releases a lot of liquid, don’t hesitate to drain it; excess moisture can prevent browning and dilute the flavors. A well-browned beef will have a rich, savory taste that forms the backbone of your skillet meal.

Sautéing the vegetables after the beef brings out their natural sweetness and creates a more complex flavor profile. Make sure to stir the mix occasionally for even cooking, keeping an eye on the onions until they become translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The addition of garlic at the end of this stage is essential, as it cooks quickly and can burn if added too soon. You want it fragrant and lightly golden, which usually happens within 1 minute of cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or pasta, for serving

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serve

Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice or pasta, and enjoy your delicious and easy skillet dinner!

Feel free to get creative with the toppings or sides. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is highly adaptable for meal prep. You can cook the entire recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better on subsequent days. Just reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out—a quick stir will bring it back to life.

If you want to extend its lifespan, consider freezing the beef mixture. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with spices to tailor the flavor to your preference. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables. You can also incorporate a tablespoon of taco seasoning for a southwestern twist or even curry powder for an Indian-inspired dish. This adaptability allows you to keep the meal fresh and exciting.

Moreover, consider changing your grain base for serving. Quinoa or couscous make wonderful alternatives to rice or pasta, adding different textures and nutritional benefits. Both grains are flexible in flavor and can soak up the savory beef and veggie mixture beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well in this recipe.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This meal pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or even with tortilla chips for a fun twist!

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach to increase the veggie count. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!