Easy Ground Beef Recipe

Name: Easy Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15; choose grass-fed for richer flavor); 1 medium yellow onion (diced (red onion works for a milder bite)); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 bell pepper (chopped (any color)); 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes (undrained (fire-roasted adds smoky depth)); 1 tablespoon olive oil ((or avocado oil)); 2 teaspoons chili powder ((swap for smoked paprika if you prefer mild warmth)); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust after tasting); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional toppings (shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado)

This easy ground beef recipe is a one-pan, budget-friendly simple meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.

You know what? When I first scribbled this recipe in my well-worn notebook, it was because my three teenagers had just started high-school sports. Practices ran late, budgets felt tight, and I needed a quick dinner that tasted like comfort food without breaking the bank. This skillet-style dish uses lean ground beef, colorful veggies, and pantry staples to create a tasty dish you can customize any way you like. It’s seasonal when you toss in fresh summer peppers, and it still feels cozy when you swap in winter squash. Lean beef brings protein, tomatoes add vitamins C and K, and the whole skillet steams away fat for a healthier spin on a classic. Let me explain why this easy ground beef recipe will become your go-to, too.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Recipe

• One pan only—minimal cleanup means more time with your loved ones.
• Ready in under 30 minutes—because busy folks don’t have hours to stand at the stove.
• Budget-friendly at around $1.75 per serving* (USDA average beef prices factored in).
• Family-friendly flavors—mild spices please picky eaters, and you can always kick it up.
• High in protein—about 30g per serving to keep everyone satisfied.
• Versatile—serve over rice, pasta, in tacos, or alongside a crisp salad.
• Freezer-friendly—make a double batch, freeze half, and save future you from cooking.
• Comfort food vibes—warm, savory, and just what you need on a chilly evening.

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Recipe

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15; choose grass-fed if you like richer flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (red onion works for a milder bite)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (use pre-minced garlic in a jar for extra speed)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color—mix red and yellow for a cheery look)
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted adds smoky depth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (swap for smoked paprika if you prefer mild warmth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust after tasting)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado

Directions for Easy Ground Beef Recipe

1. Heat your skillet on medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring until it’s no longer pink—about 5 minutes. (Tip: Using a cast-iron skillet gives a lovely sear and locks in juices.)
2. Drain excess fat if you like it leaner, then return the skillet to the heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
3. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until onions turn translucent and peppers soften—around 4 minutes. You’ll smell that sweet veggies-in-butter fragrance when they’re ready.
4. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds—that small step deepens flavor.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Those bits are flavor gold, honestly.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes so flavors meld. If it looks dry, splash in 2 tablespoons of water or broth.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch of sugar if acidity from the tomatoes feels sharp.
8. Serve hot topped with cheddar, cilantro, green onions, or avocado. Scoop over rice or spoon into tortillas for a quick taco night.

Servings & Timing

• Yield: Serves 4 (about 1½ cups per person)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative that’s equally tasty.
• Stir in a can of black beans or kidney beans to bulk it up for a chili-like twist.
• Add a diced zucchini or grated carrot for extra veggies and fiber.
• Turn it into a Tex-Mex bowl by topping with corn salsa and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Use taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin for a familiar taco flavor.
• For an Italian flair, swap tomatoes for marinara sauce and sprinkle with parmesan.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove over medium heat (add a splash of water if it seems dry) or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between. Make-ahead tip: Cook, cool completely, and freeze flat in zip-top bags—thaw in the morning to have dinner waiting come evening.

Notes

• I’ve learned that draining most—but not all—beef fat gives flavor without greasiness.
• For a deeper taste, let leftovers rest in the fridge overnight before reheating; flavors develop beautifully.
• If you like a saucier texture, stir in ½ cup beef broth or tomato sauce during the simmer.
• Don’t skip toasting the spices—they bloom best with a moment of heat before the liquids go in.

FAQs

Q: Can I double this easy recipe for a crowd?
A: Absolutely—just use a larger pan or split between two skillets to keep everything cooking evenly.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your chili powder blend is certified gluten-free and you skip wheat-based sides.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with your chili powder.

Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully.

Q: Can I use pre-chopped frozen veggies?
A: Sure—just add them straight to the skillet and adjust cooking time until veggies are tender.

Q: How do I keep beef from drying out?
A: Use a lean blend (90/10) and don’t overcook; a bit of simmering in tomato juices helps lock in moisture.

Conclusion

This easy ground beef recipe checks all the boxes: quick dinner, one-pan cleanup, and flavor that feels like a hug. Give it a try tonight—drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out, or explore more budget-friendly weeknight dinners in my recipe index!