Ground Beef And Veggie Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Veggie Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped spinach

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Favorites

I love making this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet for a quick weeknight meal. It’s bursting with flavor and loaded with nutritious vegetables that make every bite satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish that the whole family enjoys. The best part? It’s adaptable! You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a perfect recipe for clean-out-the-fridge nights. Give it a try next time you need something tasty and effortless!

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-02-15T08:07:36.353Z

When I first made this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I had a busy day and needed something simple yet hearty. The combination of spices adds a depth of flavor that keeps it from being just another mundane weeknight meal. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means cleanup is a breeze!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. Depending on what I have in my fridge, I can easily swap in different vegetables. Shiitake mushrooms on hand? Toss them in! It’s a fantastic way to customize the dish while ensuring we’re eating healthy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and fulfilling with a balanced mix of protein and vegetables
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile ingredients make it customizable to your taste

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

When making this Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet, the choice of ground beef can significantly influence the overall taste and texture of the dish. A leaner cut, such as 90% lean ground beef, minimizes excess grease, allowing the flavors of the vegetables and seasoning to shine through. On the other hand, choosing an 80/20 blend can add more richness, but be aware that it may require draining excess fat after cooking. Consider your family's preferences and dietary needs when selecting your meat.

For a unique twist, you might consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef. Both options will result in a lighter dish while still providing ample protein. When using a leaner meat, just be mindful to season it well, as turkey or chicken can be a bit bland if not flavored appropriately. Adjust your spices accordingly to avoid a lackluster taste.

Tailoring the Vegetables

One of the best aspects of this skillet meal is its adaptability with vegetables. Feel free to swap in any seasonal produce you have on hand. For example, mushrooms or broccoli can replace zucchini and carrots for different flavors and textures. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, try adding corn or sweet peas. Just be sure to consider cooking times; harder vegetables like carrots might require a few extra minutes to become tender, while softer options like bell peppers will cook quickly.

If you are looking to add some heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mix. These ingredients can elevate the dish, bringing an exciting kick to each bite. You can also substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard, which will add more nutritional benefits; just chop them finely and add them towards the end cooking process, as they typically take a little longer to wilt.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped spinach

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

Add the Veggies

Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Finish with Spinach

Add the chopped spinach and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Your Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. This dish also works well with leftover vegetables or even frozen mixed veggies in a pinch!

Meal Prep and Storage

This Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and portion it out into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Once cooked, allow the skillet mixture to cool, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers; it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy a frozen portion, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You may add a splash of broth or water to help rehydrate the meal and keep it from drying out. This approach saves time on busy nights and ensures you always have a nutritious meal ready to go.

Serving Suggestions

A Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet can be served directly from the pan for a casual, family-style meal. Consider pairing it with a side of crusty bread or buttered rice to soak up the savory juices. If you want to lighten the meal further, serve it over a bed of leafy greens like arugula or mixed lettuces to create a hearty salad. Simply toss the cooked skillet ingredients with greens before serving for a fresh crunch.

For a unique twist, add a sprinkle of cheese on top just before serving. Feta, shredded cheddar, or even mozzarella can melt into the mixture when the skillet is still warm, adding creaminess and flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or hot sauce over individual plates to elevate the meal’s presentation and taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work great in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to elevate the heat.

→ What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.