Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Delights

This Ground Beef Skillet is a delicious and budget-friendly meal that comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Rowena Clarke

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:52:07.915Z

This Ground Beef Skillet is not just economical but also packed with flavor. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, making it a favorite in many households.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just one pan
  • Flavorful combination of beef and vegetables
  • Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd

Convenience of One-Pan Meals

One-pan meals are a lifesaver for anyone looking to prepare a quick dinner without the hassle of extensive cleanup. With this Ground Beef Skillet recipe, you can cook your entire meal in just one skillet, saving time and effort. This method not only makes cooking more straightforward, but it also reduces the number of dishes to wash afterwards, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Moreover, one-pan meals allow for a beautiful melding of flavors as all the ingredients cook together. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and spices in this skillet creates a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Embracing one-pan cooking can lead to discovering new recipes that fit your lifestyle while keeping your kitchen organized.

Customizing Your Skillet Dish

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef Skillet is its versatility. While the recipe calls for specific ingredients, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or use up what you have on hand. Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to bolster the nutrition of your meal. You can also swap the ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder. Customizing your skillet dish not only makes it unique but also helps you cater to your family's specific tastes.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef Skillet is perfect for meal prepping, making it a go-to for those who want to plan their meals for the week. You can easily double the recipe to ensure you have leftovers for lunches or quick dinners. Once cooked, allow the dish to cool, then portion it into airtight containers for easy storage in the fridge for up to four days. Reheating is a breeze, making it a great option for busy days.

If you're looking to store it for an extended period, consider freezing individual portions. This way, you can enjoy a hearty and warm meal on a chilly night without the need for extensive preparation. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. With these meal prep tips, you can enjoy this flavorful dish anytime!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Rice

Fold in the cooked rice and mix well. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve

Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly meal!

This skillet dish is versatile; feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables!

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

This Ground Beef Skillet is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrition. Ground beef is a great source of protein, providing essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair. When combined with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and corn, you get a dose of vitamins and minerals that are vital for your overall health.

The addition of rice serves as a healthy carbohydrate source, providing energy to fuel your day. Using brown rice instead of white can further increase the fiber content, promoting digestive health. This dish strikes a balance between protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a well-rounded meal for you and your family.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Ground Beef Skillet with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to enhance your meal's nutritional profile. A light vinaigrette can add an extra layer of flavor to your meal, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can provide creaminess that complements the spices beautifully.

For a heartier option, consider pairing it with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. This dish is also excellent when served with shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt into the warm ingredients for an extra indulgent touch. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is sure to satisfy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

This Ground Beef Skillet is a delicious and budget-friendly meal that comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Rowena Clarke

Recipe Type: Hearty Home Delights

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  7. 2 cups cooked rice
  8. 1 tsp chili powder
  9. 1 tsp cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. 2 tbsp olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Fold in the cooked rice and mix well. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 05

Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly meal!

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g