When the day stretches on and you’re craving something warm and satisfying without the fuss, this Classic Ground Beef Skillet Dinner steps in like an old friend. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas — sizzling onions, garlic warming the air, and the rich scent of browned beef mingling with smoky spices. As I was cooking this the other night, I got a little distracted by the phone buzzing on the counter, and I swear the peppers softened just a bit more than I planned. But honestly, that little extra tenderness made it even better.
The colorful mix of bell peppers and sweet corn adds a fresh snap that cuts through the savory richness, making every bite balanced and interesting. That simmering moment when the broth and tomatoes meld into a thick, flavorful sauce is pure magic — like the whole dish is quietly coming together, even if you’re multitasking or only half-paying attention.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hearty and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly quick to pull together on a busy evening.
- The blend of spices adds depth without overwhelming, making it approachable for all tastes.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated prep, just real, comforting food.
- Bright veggies and fresh parsley give it a fresh finish, though you might find yourself sneaking extra corn straight from the pan.
Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this skillet dinner is forgiving and easy to adapt. It’s one of those dishes where a little improvisation won’t hurt, and you can get creative with what’s on hand.
PrintClassic Ground Beef Skillet Dinner
A hearty and flavorful ground beef skillet dinner packed with vegetables and savory seasonings. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Add diced green and red bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add frozen corn kernels and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Serve hot as a main dish.
Kitchen Notes: A good sturdy skillet is all you really need for this recipe — nothing fancy, just reliable heat distribution. I usually serve this with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of shredded cheese at the end, though I haven’t tested how it melts perfectly every time. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping in ground turkey or adding a dash of hot sauce could give it a nice twist. Or try swapping out the bell peppers for whatever veggies are hiding in your fridge — it’s pretty flexible.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, it reheats well in a skillet or microwave and tastes great the next day.
Is it freezer-friendly? I haven’t tried freezing it myself, but it might become a bit watery on reheating.
What can I serve alongside? A simple green salad, rice, or even some warm tortillas make great companions.
Ready to bring this comforting skillet dinner to your table? It’s waiting to turn a hectic evening into something a little more satisfying.