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25 Skillet Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make Your Weeknight Dinners Amazing

Categories Recipes

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

If you’re looking for quick, easy, and delicious dinner ideas, skillet ground beef recipes are your go-to solution. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who enjoys hearty meals with minimal fuss, these recipes fit the bill perfectly.

Imagine whipping up a savory Mexican skillet or classic hamburger and macaroni in just minutes. What’s great about these meals is their convenience and versatility. You can prepare a wholesome dinner with just one pan and a handful of ingredients, making cleanup a breeze and saving you valuable time.

Ground beef is incredibly versatile, and with a skillet, the possibilities are endless. From spicy sloppy joes to comforting skillet lasagna, you can explore a variety of flavors and styles. These recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen, turning simple ingredients into tasty, memorable meals.

Taco Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil.
  2. Cook Beef: Add ground beef, onion, and bell peppers. Cook until beef is browned and veggies are tender (about 5 minutes).
  3. Season: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Beans and Corn: Mix in the black beans and corn.
  5. Add Rice and Liquids: Pour in the rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Stir well.
  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Beef Stroganoff Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Egg noodles, cooked according to package directions

Instructions:


  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.



  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.



  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender.



  4. Remove the beef and veggies from the skillet and set them aside.



  5. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it forms a roux.



  6. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.



  7. Return the beef and veggies to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.



  8. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.



  9. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Enjoy!


Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add in the elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  5. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
  7. Garnish with chives, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet!

Beef and Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:


  1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.



  2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef. Using a spatula, press it into an even layer. Let it cook until browned on one side, about 4-5 minutes.



  3. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until veggies are soft, around 3-4 minutes.



  4. Season: Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, mixing well.



  5. Add liquids and rice: Pour in the beef stock, green chiles, diced tomatoes (with juice), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.



  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the uncooked rice, stir well, and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.



  7. Finish with cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt for a minute or two.



  8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.


Enjoy your delicious Beef and Rice Skillet!

Italian Beef and Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until about 90% done.
  3. Remove excess grease from the pan.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, diced carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced zucchini.
  5. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the tomato paste and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  8. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is tender and flavors meld together.

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, corn, peas, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Meanwhile, prepare your mashed potatoes. If using leftover mashed potatoes, heat them up and stir in butter.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the skillet. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them out to cover the beef.
  6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Skillet Shepherd’s Pie!

Beef and Broccoli Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in 1/4 cup of water or broth. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a plate.



  2. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Break up the beef with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.



  3. Add Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.



  4. Prepare Sauce: Mix soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine.



  5. Combine: Return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Serve warm.


Sloppy Joe Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Brown the ground beef in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Drain the fat from the skillet if needed.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and water, mixing until the paste is dissolved.
  7. Add the brown sugar, white vinegar, chili powder, paprika, and cumin.
  8. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  10. Toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven.
  11. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns and cover with the top halves. Enjoy!

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions


  1. Prep the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and grated ginger.



  2. Cook the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned and cooked through.



  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.



  4. Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and sugar snap peas to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.



  5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.



  6. Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your stir fry!


Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups tortilla strips
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions


  1. Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.



  2. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, water, salsa, and beans. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.



  3. Combine Tortilla Strips: Reduce heat to low and stir in the tortilla strips. Mix well so the strips soak up the sauce.



  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Remove the skillet from heat and let the cheese melt.


Enjoy your Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet!

Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz broken lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook and crumble until almost cooked through.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
  4. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add broken lasagna noodles to the skillet.
  6. Pour in marinara sauce and water. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are tender.
  8. Dollop ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious skillet lasagna!

Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the butter, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
  7. Remove the cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate.

Enjoy your hearty, one-pan meal!

Chili Mac Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
  2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth.
  4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
  6. Cook for 13-17 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
  7. If needed, add a little water to keep the mixture from drying out.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover and let it melt before serving.
Benjamin Happy Muncher
Benjamin
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.