I know how much you love quick and easy meals, especially on those busy weeknights. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite ground beef skillet dinners. These recipes are all about simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, helping you get a delicious meal on the table fast.
Each recipe uses one pan, saving you time and effort. I’ve picked three fantastic options that I think you’ll really enjoy, from a hearty cabbage skillet to a vibrant Mexican beef and rice dish. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Dinner
- 2. Easy Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet With Feta
- 3. Easy Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet Dinner
Easy Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Dinner
This hearty skillet dish brings together tender cabbage and seasoned ground beef. It’s a comforting meal that comes together fast, perfect for a busy evening.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Use a large skillet: This helps the cabbage cook evenly and get a nice sear without crowding the pan.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender-crisp, not mushy. It usually takes just a few minutes after adding it to the skillet.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown Beef and Veggies
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any extra fat from the pan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Cabbage and Cook
Stir in the shredded cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. The cabbage should become tender during this time.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid, season the dish with salt and pepper to your liking, and cook for a few more minutes until any extra liquid is gone. Serve hot and enjoy this simple ground beef skillet dinner.
📝 Final Note
This dish is great with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Easy Ground Beef And Spinach Skillet With Feta
This skillet meal combines lean ground beef with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. It’s a flavorful and light option that you can have ready in no time for a quick dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Use fresh spinach: It cooks down a lot, so use a generous amount – it will shrink significantly.
- Add feta at the end: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving or let it warm through for a minute for the best texture and taste.
What You Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 mins🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Beef and Onion
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is soft and clear, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Spinach and Tomatoes
Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, letting it wilt down before adding more. Once all the spinach has cooked down, stir in the can of diced tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Step 3: Finish with Feta
Cook the mixture for a few more minutes to let the flavors blend. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover for one minute to allow the feta to warm slightly, then serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
This dish is wonderful served with a side of warm pita bread or some crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Easy Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet Dinner
Bring Mexican flavors to your table with this simple ground beef and rice skillet. It’s a complete meal that cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze for a tasty dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Use long-grain rice: It cooks well in the skillet without becoming sticky, making it perfect for this one-pan dish.
- Spice it up: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- Taco seasoning to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 mins🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onion
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is fully browned. Drain any fat from the pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning.
Step 2: Build the Skillet
Stir in the uncooked rice, salsa, water or beef broth, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Make sure everything is mixed well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Once simmering, cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
Top this Mexican beef and rice skillet with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
