5-Ingredient Ground Beef Skillet: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Are you searching for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet flavorful and satisfying. With just five core ingredients (plus a few pantry staples), this one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes and will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Packed with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a hearty dish that delivers on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet meal is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 28 minutes, it’s ideal for those evenings when time is tight.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of beef, rice, and cheese is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite peppers, cheese, or even a spicy kick.
Ingredients
While the recipe highlights five main ingredients, a few pantry staples are included to enhance the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | Use lean beef for less grease |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup (mixed colors, diced) | Red and green recommended; yellow works too |
| Diced tomatoes | 14.5 oz can | Fire-roasted adds extra flavor |
| White rice | 3/4 cup | Jasmine or long-grain works best |
| Shredded cheese | 1.5 cups | Cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack |
| Onion | 1/2, diced | Yellow or white onion |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh for best flavor |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Adds depth to the sauce |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Or a mix of oregano and basil |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Freshly ground for best results |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped | Optional, for garnish |
Note: In many “5-ingredient” recipes, staples like onion, garlic, and seasonings are not counted toward the ingredient total, as they’re common pantry items. The core ingredients here are ground beef, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, rice, and cheese.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a sizzling skillet meal:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), white rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Fluff the rice with a fork, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt over low heat, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 426 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 83mg |
| Sodium | 766mg |
| Potassium | 585mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 1423 IU |
| Vitamin C | 38mg |
| Calcium | 247mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips for Success
- Pepper Variations: Use any combination of bell peppers—red, green, or yellow—for color and flavor. For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend to suit your taste.
- Rice Tips: Ensure the skillet reaches a boil before simmering to properly cook the rice. If using minute rice, adjust the liquid to a 1:1 ratio with rice.
- Make It Ahead: This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- A side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Why This Recipe Fits Busy Lifestyles
The Pinterest pin’s promise of a “One-Pan Beef Skillet in 20 Minutes” is nearly met with this 28-minute recipe, offering a quick solution for time-strapped home cooks. The minimal ingredient list and single-pan preparation align perfectly with the pin’s emphasis on simplicity and speed, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Skillet is a lifesaver for busy evenings, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it tonight and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal that everyone will love!
