Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meals

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meals
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or tortillas for serving

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love creating one-pan meals, and these Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meals have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with whatever ingredients I have on hand. It's a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights, and the flavors meld beautifully in just a short amount of time. With minimal clean-up and maximum flavor, this recipe has transformed how I approach family dinners. Trust me, once you try it, you might just add it to your meal rotation!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:19:09.347Z

When I first made these Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meals, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. I used to dread the thought of cooking after a long day at work, but this dish allows me to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped ahead of time, so you can just throw everything into the skillet and let the magic happen!

One tip that really helped elevate the flavors is to season the beef while it cooks. I like to use a mix of spices, along with chopped vegetables, to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Plus, this recipe is so versatile—you can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have at home!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy one-pan meal for busy nights
Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices
Deliciously savory flavors that the whole family will enjoy

      

Mastering the One-Pan Technique

One of the standout features of this Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meal is its one-pan approach, which means minimal clean-up. When cooking the ground beef, make sure your skillet is adequately preheated over medium heat. This helps achieve a great sear, giving the beef a rich, brown color and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Breaking up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks not only helps it brown evenly but also ensures you have a nice texture in every bite.

Don't rush the vegetable cooking stage. Cooking the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic until they soften adds depth to the dish. Aim for about five minutes—keep an eye on the onions; they should become translucent and slightly golden, which indicates they are ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients. Adding a splash of water can help if you notice the veggies sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! If you're out of bell peppers or prefer a different flavor, zucchini and mushrooms are great substitutes that will absorb the savory spices beautifully. For a kick, you might try adding a diced jalapeño alongside the other veggies. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, crumbled tempeh or lentils can replace the ground beef. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain strong flavors.

Moreover, when it comes to spices, if chili powder isn’t on hand, a blend of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper can replicate the heat and smokiness. Cumin gives the dish an earthy base note, but you can try ground coriander for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjusting the spice levels will help personalize the heat to suit your family’s taste.

Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is an excellent candidate for meal prep! If you plan to store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge, maintaining flavor and texture. For long-term storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags. Just remember to label them with the date—these meals can be enjoyed for up to three months when frozen.

When it comes to serving, this dish is incredibly versatile. While I recommend serving it over rice or wrapped in tortillas, you could also pair it with quinoa or serve it on a bed of leafy greens for a healthier twist. Topping it with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime before serving can elevate the dish even further, providing a fresh burst of flavor with each bite.

Ingredients

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or tortillas for serving

Gather these ingredients to make this delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.

Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Combine and Simmer

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and corn. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve over cooked rice or in tortillas. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

These steps make it easy to have a hearty meal ready in no time!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Tips for Reheating

When reheating your Easy Ground Beef Skillet Meal, it’s best to do so gently to keep the flavors intact. Use a medium-low heat on the stovetop for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture and flavor. For microwave reheating, place the meal in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a damp paper towel to maintain some steam while heating.

If you've frozen your portions, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re short on time, use the defrost setting on your microwave. However, take care not to overheat the dish as it can lead to a rubbery texture, particularly with the beef.

Make It Ahead

This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables, then let everything cool down before storing it in separate containers. When it comes time to eat, just combine the ingredients and heat until bubbly for an instant family meal—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making dinner even tastier!

Consider chopping your vegetables a day ahead to save time on busy nights. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they’re ready to go when you are. This quick prep step helps make this dish an effortless option for those hectic evenings when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative that works well in this recipe.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

This dish goes great over rice, in tortillas, or even on a bed of leafy greens for a healthier option.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.