Ground Beef And Veggie Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Veggie Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I love whipping up a quick and satisfying meal, and this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights. With a mix of fresh vegetables and juicy ground beef, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. I always have the ingredients on hand, and I feel great knowing I can serve my family a wholesome meal in about 30 minutes!

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:09:36.091Z

Making this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet was a delightful experience. I decided to try different vegetables in my usual recipe to see how the flavors would meld. It turns out, the combination of bell peppers and zucchini really enhances the dish, making it vibrant and colorful. I also discovered that adding spices towards the end makes them pop more!

One tip I'd love to share is to always have your vegetables chopped and ready to go before starting to cook. This way, everything cooks evenly, and you’ll end up with a meal that’s delicious and visually appealing. Instant satisfaction with minimal mess!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and savory flavors that come together in one pan
Packed with colorful veggies for added nutrition
Quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze

The Role of Ground Beef

Using ground beef in this skillet recipe not only provides a rich, savory flavor but also offers a fantastic source of protein. When you brown the beef, aim for a medium-high heat to achieve those delicious caramelized bits. This Maillard reaction brings depth to the dish, enhancing the overall taste. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in; just remember these meats may cook faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.

For the best flavor, opt for 80/20 ground beef—this ratio provides enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. If you find the beef releasing too much grease, simply drain some before adding the vegetables. This step helps the veggies sauté rather than steam, resulting in a better texture and taste.

Maximizing Vegetable Freshness

The variety of vegetables in this recipe not only boosts its nutrition but also its color and texture. Using fresh vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers adds a delightful crunch. When selecting zucchini, choose smaller ones that feel firm; they'll be sweeter and have fewer seeds. If you’re short on time, feel free to use frozen bell peppers or corn—just add them directly to the pan without thawing to save a couple of minutes.

For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re translucent and just starting to caramelize before adding the ground beef. This step enhances the overall aromatics of the dish, making it even more enticing. If you're looking to increase the nutrient punch, you could toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the final stages of cooking—they will wilt quickly and meld beautifully with the other ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients to create this flavorful skillet!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious skillet meal!

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Veggies

Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and corn. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your quick, hearty meal!

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over rice!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is quite flexible and allows for creativity in the kitchen.

Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is excellent for meal prep! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish from drying out as it warms. It can also be safely frozen; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If you find the texture has changed slightly during freezing, a quick stir in the pan can help revive those delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is versatile and can be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with various sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice; both options absorb the juices and add some necessary bulk. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors wonderfully.

For extra creaminess and flavor, a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or guacamole on top takes it to another level. If you enjoy spice, try serving it with a side of pico de gallo or fresh salsa for that vibrant, zesty kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and can make the dish even lighter.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, broccoli, or spinach to increase the nutrition.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well!

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners.