Ground Beef Skillet With Vegetables

Name: Ground Beef Skillet With Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Classics

I absolutely love preparing this Ground Beef Skillet with Vegetables when I need a quick and satisfying meal. It combines savory beef with colorful veggies all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The balance of protein and fiber in this dish is perfect for keeping everyone full and happy. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is ideal for busy weeknights. I often add my favorite spices to elevate the flavors and customize it to my family’s taste preferences.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:10:13.842Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The combination of fresh vegetables and ground beef creates a delicious harmony that pleases everyone at the table. One tip I learned is to sauté the veggies before adding the beef, which helps to unlock the natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish.

I've experimented with various seasonings, but find that a pinch of garlic powder and a touch of paprika really enhances the flavor. It's a versatile recipe as you can switch up the vegetables according to what you have on hand, ensuring variety in every meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan meal makes for easy cleanup
Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables
Customizable with your favorite spices and veggies
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights

Preparing the Ground Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is crucial for the texture and flavor of this skillet dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, which provides enough fat for richness without being too greasy. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot before adding the meat. This searing will enhance the browning process, delivering a better flavor. Watch closely to avoid burning, and drain any excess fat if it pools too much in the skillet.

When cooking the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns is essential for even cooking. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble it into small pieces, ensuring that every bite has that delicious seared flavor. Aim for a deep brown color, which indicates depth of flavor. If you notice any sticking, gently scrape the bottom of the pan with your utensil to release those flavorful bits into the mix.

Vegetable Choices and Tips

Using a variety of colorful vegetables not only makes the dish visually appealing but also boosts its nutritional profile. Bell peppers add sweetness, while zucchini contributes moisture. Carrots provide a slight crunch and earthy sweetness. Feel free to mix and match these veggies based on what you have on hand. For a twist, you could include green beans, broccoli, or even frozen mixed vegetables—just adjust the sautéing time accordingly to ensure they cook through.

When sautéing, ensuring your vegetables are cut uniformly is crucial for even cooking. About 1/2-inch pieces work well for bell peppers and zucchini, while the carrots can be cut slightly thinner to soften faster. Stirring frequently will help all the ingredients cook evenly and become tender without becoming overly mushy. Look for vegetables that lose their raw edge and become vibrant in color, taking about 5-7 minutes in the pan.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Ground Beef Skillet is versatile enough to serve over a bed of grains like rice or quinoa, which soak up all the savory juices. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or steamed greens. A sprinkle of cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish further, providing a creamy texture that beautifully contrasts the sautéed vegetables.

For meal prep, this dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply store in airtight containers to maintain freshness. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revitalize the dish without drying it out. Feel free to also freeze portions for future meals; they can last for about three months in the freezer. Just be sure to label your containers with the date for easy reference!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect Ground Beef Skillet with Vegetables:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are chopped and ready to go before you start cooking to make the process smooth and efficient.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Ground Beef Skillet with Vegetables:

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the onion, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Season and Combine

Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Once the dish is cooked through, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

This delicious meal can be served alone or with a side of rice or bread to soak up any leftover juices.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like spinach or broccoli
they're great additions to this skillet meal. You can also substitute the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option!

Variations to Try

Experimenting with spices can transform this dish into various flavor profiles. If you're in the mood for an Italian flair, add Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese at the end. For a Mexican twist, incorporate taco seasoning along with black beans and corn. Just remember to adjust the salt levels accordingly, as pre-packaged seasonings can have added sodium.

If you're looking for a healthier twist, lean turkey or chicken can easily be swapped for ground beef. They require similar cooking times but tend to dry out faster, so cooking them at medium heat can help maintain moisture. You could also consider incorporating lentils as a vegetarian option; just ensure they're pre-cooked, adding them with the vegetables to warm through without overcooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your ground beef releases too much fat while cooking, it might be beneficial to reduce the heat. Cooking at a lower temperature allows the beef to render properly without excessive grease accumulation. Use a slotted spoon to remove any excess fat during the cooking process, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the flavors of your vegetables.

Should your vegetables not seem tender after sautéing, increase your cooking time slightly or cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes. This helps trap steam, speeding up the cooking process. Just be sure to check often to prevent them from becoming mushy—a perfectly sautéed vegetable should be tender yet still maintain a slight bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used to save time. Just ensure to cook them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure that any added seasonings or sauces are also gluten-free.

→ What other protein can I use?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.