Southwest Skillet: Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Dinner!

Southwest Skillet: Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Dinner! 🌶️🍽️🔥

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner — the Southwest Skillet! This delicious, quick-to-make veggie skillet recipe combines savory ground beef with vibrant spices, colorful vegetables, and a touch of smoky flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, this ground beef skillet recipe will satisfy your hunger and impress your family or guests. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or a nutritious one-pan meal, this Southwest Skillet is your go-to!

2. Ingredients for a Flavorful Southwest Skillet

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges

3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for the Southwest Skillet

Prepare the ingredients

Start by dicing the bell peppers, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Measure out the spices and have all ingredients ready for quick cooking.

Cook the ground beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Sauté the vegetables

Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Add spices and seasoning

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices, enhancing the Southwest flavor.

Add corn and black beans

Stir in the corn kernels and black beans. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Finish with cheese and garnish

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream.

4. Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Veggie Skillet Recipe

Allow the Southwest Skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated thoroughly. For best results, add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs when reheating for enhanced flavor.

5. Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Skillet

This veggie skillet recipe goes perfectly with warm tortillas, crispy tortilla chips, or a side of Mexican rice. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh carrot cucumber salad or healing lentil soup. Add a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream for extra zest and creaminess.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About the Southwest Skillet

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or lentils. Use vegan cheese and skip dairy toppings for a vegan version.

How long does it take to prepare this veggie skillet recipe?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I add additional vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add diced zucchini, corn, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

8. Final tips for the perfect Southwest Skillet

Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors. Adjust spice levels based on your preference. For a smoky touch, sprinkle extra smoked paprika or add sliced jalapeños during cooking. This veggie skillet recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

9. Conclusion

Enjoy the bold flavors of the Southwest with this irresistible ground beef skillet. It’s simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor — a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Try it out today and experience a quick, healthy, and savory meal that everyone will love!

Print
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A vibrant Southwest Skillet featuring seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, corn, and black beans. The skillet is topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, showcasing a hearty and flavorful meal with a rustic presentation.

Southwest Skillet: Easy & Flavorful Ground Beef Dinner!

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Discover the delicious and easy Southwest Skillet—a flavorful ground beef dinner packed with vibrant vegetables, spices, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick recipe combines savory ground beef with colorful bell peppers, corn, black beans, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and nutritious one-pan meal. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this skillet offers bold southwestern flavors in just 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro for a personalized touch.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: dice the bell peppers, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out the spices.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with spices.
  5. Add corn kernels and black beans. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Can be customized with additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or jalapeños.
  • Use vegan cheese and plant-based ground beef for vegetarian or vegan adaptations.
  • For extra smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika or cook with sliced jalapeños.
  • Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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