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 pound ground beef; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Instant Kitchen Favorites

I love making this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet on busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet quick. The combination of ground beef and colorful vegetables makes it both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing me to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe has become a staple in my household, as it’s easy to customize based on what I have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftover veggies. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T03:05:36.454Z

When I first tried this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet, I was captivated by how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. Using a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and onion adds a delightful crunch while balancing the richness of the beef. I love how the one-pan method minimizes clean-up, which is always a win in my busy kitchen!

One tip I learned along the way is to season the vegetables with a pinch of salt while they cook. This helps elevate their natural flavors and ensures they meld perfectly with the seasoned beef. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and my family requests it repeatedly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and simple preparation for busy weeknights
Packed with colorful veggies for a nutritious boost
Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions

Ingredient Insights

The key to a successful Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet lies in the choice of ingredients. Selecting 80/20 ground beef provides a nice balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring the meat remains juicy while still getting a good sear. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted without compromising the dish's integrity. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a touch more olive oil for moisture.

Using a mix of vegetables not only boosts the nutritional profile but also enhances the dish's texture and flavor. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch, while zucchini adds a mild taste that absorbs the seasonings beautifully. Feel free to toss in carrots, spinach, or even frozen peas based on what you have available. Cooking times may vary slightly; just ensure the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.

Cooking Technique Tips

Cooking the ground beef effectively is essential for the dish's success. Start with a preheated skillet over medium-high heat, which allows the beef to brown rather than steam. Breaking the meat apart with a spatula while it cooks helps create more surface area for browning, resulting in a more complex flavor. If you notice that the bottom is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning.

When adding the vegetables, it's crucial to not overcrowd the skillet. If you're making a larger batch, consider using two pans to ensure even cooking and browning. This way, the vegetables will caramelize nicely instead of becoming soggy. A good indication that they're ready is when they become tender and start to release their natural sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

With all the ingredients ready, let's move on to cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and oregano, and stir well.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, and enjoy your meal!

Your Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to keep things fresh. You can also add some grated cheese on top right before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet can be served in many ways to suit your meal preferences. For a hearty dinner, pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices. If you're looking for a low-carb option, it can easily be served over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice. Garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese can also add a lovely finishing touch and elevate the dish.

For a fun twist, consider turning this skillet meal into tacos. Simply spoon the mixture into warm tortillas and top with your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or shredded lettuce. This versatility makes it an ideal base recipe to tailor according to your family's tastes.

Storage and Reheating

Any leftovers from this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making reheating just as satisfying as the first serving. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply heat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick option.

You can also freeze the skillet for longer storage. Allow the meal to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and heat in a skillet to reintroduce that fresh texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you're looking for a leaner option.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the beef for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare this skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips for a more filling meal.