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Ground Beef Skillet Meal

This easy ground beef skillet meal comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Seasoned ground beef is simmered with bell peppers, tomatoes, and warm spices for a hearty, satisfying meal. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete, budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced, any color
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice for serving

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned at the edges.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly against the beef and deepen in flavor.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir everything together to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot over cooked rice or egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of cold water during the last 2 minutes of simmering. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of beef broth to restore the sauce consistency. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef to ensure a proper sear rather than steaming.