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, sliced; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Recipes

I love making this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor! With just a few everyday ingredients, I can create a hearty dish that the whole family enjoys. The combination of savory beef and colorful vegetables not only satisfies hunger but also provides a nutritious meal. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when I need to whip up something delicious in under 30 minutes. Plus, the one-pan nature means easy cleanup!

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:17:36.672Z

When I first tried this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly a tasty meal can come together. The beef browns beautifully while the veggies add color and nutrition, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. I usually switch up the vegetables based on what I have on hand, which makes it a versatile recipe that I love to experiment with.

One key tip I've learned is to let the beef get a nice sear before adding the vegetables. This enhances the depth of flavor and gives the dish a rich base that pairs wonderfully with the fresh veggies. A dash of Worcestershire sauce at the end adds the perfect finishing touch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with a perfect balance of meat and veggies
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
One-pan cleanup makes it a stress-free meal option

Ingredient Insights

The choice of ground beef is crucial for the flavor and texture of this skillet dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of fat, as it lends richness and keeps the meat juicy during cooking. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but be mindful that they may require slightly different cooking times to ensure they’re fully cooked without drying out.

Onions and garlic form the aromatic backbone of this recipe. Be sure to cook them until they are translucent, as this releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you're in a pinch, you can use onion powder and garlic powder, but fresh ingredients provide a much more robust taste.

Cooking Technique Tips

When browning the ground beef, make sure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the meat. This will help to achieve a nice sear, which adds depth to the flavor. If the beef releases too much liquid, it may end up steaming rather than browning, so keep an eye on the heat and adjust to medium-high if necessary for a good caramelization.

While the vegetables are cooking, stirring occasionally helps to evenly distribute heat, ensuring they cook uniformly without burning. Each vegetable has a specific cooking time; the bell peppers and zucchini should become tender-crisp, while the corn heats through quickly. This texture contrast adds a delightful element to each bite.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and corn. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Season and Serve

Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot!

Pro Tips

Feel free to switch out the vegetables based on what you have available! Broccoli, carrots, or green beans would work beautifully in this dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prepare this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet ahead of time by fully cooking the beef and vegetable mixture. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions; simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth to revitalize the mixture if it seems dry.

To save time on busy evenings, chop your vegetables and store them in the refrigerator a day in advance. This not only cuts down on prep time but ensures they’re fresh and ready to go when you need them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa to elevate the meal. These grains absorb the flavorful juices and offer a hearty base. Alternatively, for a lighter option, you can serve it in lettuce wraps, adding a fresh crunch that complements the savory filling beautifully.

For added flavor, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can also brighten the dish, enhancing all the robust flavors at play.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work just as well in this recipe.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked skillet meal in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This meal is great on its own, but you can serve it with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete dinner.

→ Can I add more spices for extra flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika for a bit of a kick.