One-Pan Ground Beef & Veggie Skillet

One-Pan Ground Beef & Veggie Skillet – Easy Weeknight Family Dinner

Looking for a quick and healthy ground beef recipe for busy weeknights? This one-pan ground beef and veggie skillet is packed with flavor, loaded with nutritious vegetables, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect easy family dinner with minimal cleanup.

One-Pan Ground Beef & Veggie Skillet Recipe

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Ground Beef Skillet

Ready in just 25–30 minutes
Only one pan required
Healthy and protein-packed
Kid-friendly and customizable
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Recipe Details

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients for Ground Beef & Veggie Skillet

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped zucchini or yellow squash
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make One-Pan Ground Beef & Veggies

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large 10–12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
Add Tomatoes & Seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes with liquid and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and optional shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef skillet is delicious on its own or served over brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or pasta. For a low-carb option, pair it with a fresh side salad.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Chop vegetables in advance to make weeknight cooking even faster.

Recipe Variations

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add mushrooms, spinach, corn, or carrots.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Try Tex-Mex seasoning for a bold flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Add them directly to the skillet and adjust cooking time slightly.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. Using lean ground beef and fresh vegetables makes this a balanced, protein-rich meal ideal for family dinners.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Let it cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make Weeknight Dinners Easier

This easy one-pan ground beef and vegetable skillet proves that healthy, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for busy families.