Description
A quick and hearty one-pan dinner featuring ground beef combined with fresh garden vegetables and savory seasonings. This Garden Vegetable Beef Skillet is a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for a nutritious, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until evenly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure fine crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Garden Vegetables: Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, green beans, and corn kernels. Continue cooking for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
- Season and Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld.
- Finish and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet and allow it to melt slightly. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach based on availability and preference.
- Serve this skillet meal over rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it a heartier dish.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
