If you’re craving something hearty, juicy, and downright delicious, beef recipes are the perfect choice!
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick dinner, a family chef cooking for picky eaters, or just someone who loves comfort food, beef is versatile and satisfying.
This recipe is a one-pan beef skillet meal that’s simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes (Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes).
It’s packed with protein, rich flavors, and works perfectly for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy — ready in just 30 minutes
✅ Family-friendly comfort food
✅ Budget-friendly with simple pantry ingredients
✅ Customizable — swap beef with turkey or chicken
✅ Works great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for spice)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Replace bell pepper with zucchini or mushrooms
- Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or pasta
How to Make Beef Recipes (Step by Step)
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or enjoy on its own. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use air fryer beef meatballs instead of skillet beef for a fun twist.
- Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor.
- Turn it into a beef chili by adding beans and extra chili powder.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet — it helps beef brown properly.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
What to Serve It With
- 🥗 Fresh green salad with lemon dressing
- 🍞 Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
- 🍚 Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta
- 🥦 Roasted or sautéed veggies (broccoli, zucchini, carrots)
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.
Nutrition Info (per serving, approx)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Printable Recipe Card
One-Pan Beef Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper
- Cooked rice or pasta (for serving)
- Parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet, cook beef until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cook until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes, paste, and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice/pasta, garnish with herbs.
FAQs About Beef Recipes
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This beef skillet stores and reheats perfectly, making it ideal for meal prep.
Q2: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely — just note the flavor will be slightly lighter.
Q3: How do I make this recipe spicy?
Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños.
Q4: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but simmer longer to let them break down into a sauce.
Q5: What’s the best cut of beef for quick recipes?
Ground beef is fastest, but thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin also work great.
Conclusion
Beef recipes don’t have to be complicated — this easy one-pan beef skillet proves it! With minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and bold flavors, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite spices, serve with rice or veggies, and enjoy a wholesome, hearty meal.
Henry Miles is a seasoned writer and content strategist with over a decade of experience in crafting engaging digital content. With a background in communication and media studies, he brings a deep understanding of audience psychology, storytelling, and online trends. His work often bridges the gap between informative clarity and creative expression, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.
Known for his disciplined research and clean writing style, Henry has contributed to numerous blogs, educational platforms, and professional publications. When he’s not writing, he’s usually found exploring new literary techniques or mentoring aspiring content creators.
Henry is also the author of several well-received titles, including The Digital Mindset, Words That Connect, and Content Beyond Clicks—books that continue to inspire writers and marketers around the globe.
