One-Pan Southwest Ground Beef Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner! 🌶️🍖🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t involve a lot of cleanup? The One-Pan Savory Southwest Skillet is your ultimate solution! This hearty Southwest-inspired ground beef skillet combines bold spices, fresh vegetables, and tender ground beef, all cooked in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Southwest Skillet Dinner offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for the family. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sides.
2. Ingredients for a Delicious Southwest Skillet Dinner
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilis
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Southwest Skillet
Step 1: Prepare and cook the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the spices and tomatoes
Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes with chilis and corn. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Simmer the skillet
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. For a creamy addition, check out our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe for more flavorful ideas.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Southwest Skillet
Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove. To keep the vegetables crisp, reheat gently, and consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to revive flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair this Ground Beef Skillet Recipe with warm tortillas, tortillas chips, or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. For added greens, serve with a side of fresh creamy cucumber salad. Want to make it more colorful? Top with sliced avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this skillet spicy?
Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make a leaner version. It’s a great way to adapt this healthy turkey taco bowl or chicken skillet.
How long does it take to prepare?
This One-Pan Savory Southwest Skillet can be cooked in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use canned diced tomatoes without added fillers. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make chopping vegetables faster and safer, saving you precious time.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: A high-quality set that ensures easy cooking and cleanup for your skillet-based dishes.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Perfect for prepping ingredients ahead or making larger batches of similar dishes.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Ideal for making crispy toppings or side dishes to complement your skillet dinner.
8. Additional Recipes to Complement Your Southwest Skillet
9. Conclusion
The One-Pan Savory Southwest Skillet offers an effortless way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table, all with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re short on time or just craving a hearty, spicy dish, this ground beef skillet is sure to become a family favorite. Explore different toppings, sides, and variations to customize it to your liking. For more quick and easy dinner ideas, visit our collection of flavorful recipes and turn every weeknight into a celebration of good food and simple cooking.
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One-Pan Southwest Ground Beef Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner!
Discover the delicious and easy-to-make One-Pan Southwest Ground Beef Skillet, a perfect weeknight dinner recipe packed with bold spices, fresh vegetables, and tender ground beef. This hearty, flavorful dish requires minimal cleanup and can be customized with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilis
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in diced tomatoes with chilis and corn. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Optional: add sliced avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep vegetables crisp, adding a splash of lime juice if desired.
- Customize the recipe by adding jalapeños or hot sauce for more spice.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg