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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Skillet Recipe with Vegetables for Quick Healthy Meals

one-pan ground beef skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan ground beef skillet with vegetables that delivers a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe balances seasoned beef and crisp vegetables for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers (one red, one green), diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait 1-2 minutes until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a bit for flavor.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the diced bell peppers and chopped zucchini. Stir together and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
  5. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan to ensure beef browns properly. Let beef sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to develop a nice crust. Add vegetables after beef is mostly cooked to keep them crisp. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for added smoky flavor. If skillet dries out, add a splash of water or broth. Chopping veggies ahead or using pre-diced vegetables saves time. This recipe is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy skillet recipe, easy weeknight meal, ground beef and vegetables