Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This ground beef skillet recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:01:08.056Z

This ground beef skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together hearty ingredients in just 30 minutes. Ideal for families on a budget, it’s filling, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for busy nights.
  • Deliciously seasoned with simple ingredients.
  • A one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup.

Perfect for Busy Families

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be a challenge. This Ground Beef Skillet recipe offers a solution by delivering a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. With just one pan used, it simplifies your cooking process while ensuring that your family enjoys a nutritious dinner. The quick prep and cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy families looking to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with each other.

Moreover, the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, allowing you to whip up this dish without a last-minute grocery run. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and spices creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that appeals to both kids and adults. It's a great way to introduce your family to new flavors without the hassle.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this skillet dish is its versatility. Feel free to modify the recipe based on what you have on hand. Swap out the bell pepper for your favorite vegetable or add beans for an extra protein boost. The spices can also be adjusted to suit your family's preferences; if you like it spicy, add some jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.

This recipe serves as a fantastic base, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings or additional toppings. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado slices to elevate the dish. By making it your own, you can keep mealtime exciting and ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

Eating well doesn't have to break the bank, and this Ground Beef Skillet is proof of that. With its affordable ingredients, it's a smart choice for budget-conscious meal planning. Ground beef is not only cost-effective, but it also provides a good source of protein that can keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Additionally, the use of frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes helps to reduce food waste, making it easier to stick to your grocery budget. This recipe is great for meal prep, as you can make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It's an effective way to save both time and money while ensuring you have delicious meals ready to go.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

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

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your ground beef skillet:

Cook the Beef

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

Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Mix in Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine with Rice

Finally, mix in the cooked rice and stir until everything is well combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best flavor in your Ground Beef Skillet, make sure to season the beef well while it cooks. Don't be afraid to taste the mixture as it simmers; this allows you to adjust the seasoning levels to your liking. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using beef broth instead of water when cooking the rice.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the beef with a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This small addition can enhance the overall taste of the dish, giving it a unique twist that your family will love.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. You can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it on the stovetop or microwave. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping ahead of busy weeks.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use beans.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

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

Ground Beef Skillet Budget Friendly

This ground beef skillet recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Finally, mix in the cooked rice and stir until everything is well combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g