Meow Meow

The Ground Beef Skillet is a quick, hearty, and budget-friendly one-pan dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. It’s versatile enough to serve on its own, with rice, pasta, or wrapped inside tortillas for a delicious weeknight dinner. Best of all, it comes together in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!

📝 Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed & drained)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add vegetables: Mix in diced bell pepper, corn, and beans. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.

4. Season: Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.

5. Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice. Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Cheesy finish: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover skillet, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with rice, pasta, tortillas, or eat it straight from the skillet.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Over steamed rice or quinoa

• As a taco or burrito filling

• On top of baked potatoes

• With nachos or tortilla chips

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
👉 Yes! Skip the beans and corn, and instead add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Serve with cauliflower rice.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
👉 Absolutely. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Q3: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
👉 Yes, you can substitute with chicken or turkey. Just note that turkey is leaner, so you may need to add a bit more olive oil for moisture.

Q4: How can I make it spicier?
👉 Add red chili flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

Q5: Can I freeze Ground Beef Skillet?
👉 Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.