Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Ground Beef Skillet is a quick and economical meal that's sure to satisfy the whole family!

Harriet Mason

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:22:10.114Z

This hearty ground beef skillet is not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's a meal that everyone will love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor
  • One-pan cleanup makes it perfect for busy weeknights

A Family Favorite

This Ground Beef Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings families together. With hearty flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. The combination of ground beef, colorful vegetables, and seasonings creates a delightful harmony that appeals to both kids and adults alike. As a bonus, it’s easy to customize based on your family's preferences or what you have on hand.

One of the best things about this skillet dish is its versatility. You can swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season or on sale, making it a flexible option for busy weeknights. Whether you prefer zesty jalapeños or sweet corn, the choice is yours. This adaptability not only keeps the dish exciting but also helps you make the most of your grocery budget.

Nutritional Benefits

Ground beef is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health. In this skillet recipe, you also get a great mix of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants that support your immune system. Adding corn and tomatoes provides fiber and crucial nutrients, making this dish a well-rounded meal.

Additionally, by incorporating cooked rice, you add carbohydrates that serve as a great energy source, making this dish perfect for active families. This balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied and nourished. It’s a guilt-free way to indulge in a delicious meal without sacrificing health.

Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet

For the best flavor, consider using a combination of fresh herbs and spices to elevate your Ground Beef Skillet. Fresh cilantro or parsley can be added just before serving for a burst of freshness. Additionally, adjusting the amount of chili powder and cumin can help you tailor the dish to your preferred spice level, whether you like it mild or fiery.

Another tip for a quicker prep time is to use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal. This not only saves time but also enhances the dish's texture, as the rice absorbs the flavors of the skillet beautifully. Don't hesitate to experiment with toppings too; shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy your delicious ground beef skillet!

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Mix in Other Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Simmer

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve

Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly meal!

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers from your Ground Beef Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for those with busy schedules. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating is quick and easy. When using the stove, place the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This ensures that the dish retains its flavors and textures, making for a delicious meal even on day two.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Skillet is delicious on its own but can be served alongside a variety of sides to make a more complete meal. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and crunchy accompaniment that kids will love.

For a heartier meal, you can also serve the skillet over a bed of fresh greens or top it with a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of cheese. This flexibility allows you to create a family dinner that feels unique each time, while still being budget-friendly and quick to prepare.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

This Ground Beef Skillet is a quick and economical meal that's sure to satisfy the whole family!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Harriet Mason

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  6. 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  7. 2 cups cooked rice
  8. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  9. 1 teaspoon cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 04

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g