Classic Ground Beef Skillet Dinner
This classic ground beef skillet dinner is a quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. Featuring lean ground beef, diced tomatoes, broth, and your choice of pasta or potatoes, it's a hearty and satisfying dish the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 chopped medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pasta (elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini work well) OR chopped potatoes/sweet potatoes or 2 cups chopped potatoes/sweet potatoes
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
Optional Toppings/Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics
- Reduce heat to medium, add onion and cook until softened for 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Starch/Veggies
- Stir in uncooked pasta or chopped potatoes now. If using frozen mixed vegetables, add them later.
Simmer and Cook
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pasta or potatoes are tender (10-15 minutes for pasta, 15-20 minutes for potatoes), stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed.
Stir in Mixed Vegetables
- If using, stir in frozen mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
Finish (Optional)
- Optionally, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and cover or broil until melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. This recipe is highly customizable; feel free to swap in other vegetables or cheeses based on your preference. If you don't have beef broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute, though beef broth adds richer flavor.