Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we believe in transforming simple ingredients into delightful meals that make you fall in love with cooking! Today, we’re sharing a quick and easy one-skillet dinner that promises to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. 🌟 This Easy Beef Skillet Dinner is perfect when you need a hearty, wholesome meal in a jiffy. Pair it with crunchy French bread or warm, steamed flour tortillas, and add a side of green salad or green beans to make it a complete, nutritious meal. Plus, it makes for great leftovers, simplifying your next day’s lunch or dinner. 🍴
Easy Beef Skillet Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 🥩
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 1 bell pepper, chopped 🌶️
- 26-28 ounces of spaghetti sauce 🍝
- 2 cups beef broth 🍲
- 2 cups pasta of your choice 🍜
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 755.1 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 51.4 mg
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Carbohydrates: 117.7 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Sugar: 5.2 g
- Protein: 36.1 g
Prep and Cook Times
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
10 minutes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes |
Instructions
-
Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain off any excess fat. 🥘
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. 🌟
-
Add the Sauce and Broth:
- Pour in the spaghetti sauce and beef broth.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. 🍅
-
Incorporate the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the boiling mixture.
- Ensure the pasta is well-submerged in the sauce and broth. 🍲
-
Simmer to Perfection:
- Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used. 🍜
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pasta is cooked through and tender, your Easy Beef Skillet Dinner is ready to serve.
- Ladle generous portions onto plates and serve with your choice of crunchy French bread or steamed flour tortillas.
- Complement the dish with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. 🥗
Tips and Tricks
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat options for a healthier twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
Perfect Pairings
To elevate your meal, consider pairing this hearty dish with the following:
- Crunchy French Bread: The perfect vessel for soaking up the rich, savory sauce.
- Steamed Flour Tortillas: For a fun twist, wrap the beef and pasta mixture in warm tortillas.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet dinner.
- Green Beans: Steamed green beans add a vibrant, nutritious side that complements the meal beautifully.
Leftover Love
This Easy Beef Skillet Dinner is not just quick and delicious but also fantastic for leftovers. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Cooking can be a delightful and fulfilling experience, especially when you have a recipe as simple and satisfying as this Easy Beef Skillet Dinner. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and hearty. Enjoy the ease of preparation, the minimal cleanup, and, most importantly, the delicious results. Happy cooking! 🌟🍽️