Amazing Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Okay, so weeknights can be a total drag, right? You’re tired, everyone’s hangry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. That’s where this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet comes in! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. I whipped this up one frantic Tuesday, and it was such a hit, it’s become a staple. It’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.

The best part? It’s a total one-pan wonder, meaning way less cleanup – hallelujah! Plus, it’s loaded with good stuff like lean beef and veggies, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. Trust me, this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is about to become your new best friend for those busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Honestly, this dish is a dream for busy weeknights. Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:

• Super Speedy: We’re talking done in 20 minutes, from start to finish!
• Effortlessly Easy: Minimal chopping, one pan – what’s not to love?
• Packed with Goodness: Lean ground beef and colorful veggies make it a healthy choice.
• Bursting with Flavor: Simple spices transform basic ingredients into something amazing.
• So Versatile: Easily tweak it with your favorite veggies or toppings.

Quick Lean Ground Beef Dinner Perfection

When you need a dinner that’s fast *and* good for you, this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is the answer. Using lean ground beef means you get all that satisfying beefy flavor without a ton of extra fat. It cooks up beautifully and makes for a truly wholesome meal that won’t weigh you down. For more on beef temperatures, check out this hamburger internal temp guide.

One-Pan Ground Beef and Veggie Ease

Can we talk about cleanup? This healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is a champion because it all happens in one pan! That means less scrubbing later. Plus, it’s loaded with bell peppers and onions, making it a delicious way to sneak in those veggies without anyone complaining. It’s dinner and cleanup made simple!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Alright, let’s get cooking! For this super quick and delicious healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet, you’ll need just a handful of simple things. Most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge, which is always a win!

Core Ingredients for Your Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

• 1 pound lean ground beef – This is the star!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing everything up nicely.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Gives it that essential savory base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped – I love using red or yellow for a pop of color!
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – Adds fantastic texture and fiber.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Those juices are pure gold for flavor!
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For a little warmth and spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin – This spice is just perfect with beef and beans.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season!

Optional Toppings for Your Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

These are totally optional but SO good if you have them:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are awesome!)
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado for creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Okay, let’s get this delicious healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet made! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how fast it comes together. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time.

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Veggies

First things first, grab a large skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your pound of lean ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and let it brown nicely, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s all browned, carefully drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy skillet! Now, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up. This builds a great flavor base for our healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet.

Adding Aromatics and Spices

Next up, we add the flavor boosters! Stir in your minced garlic, along with the chili powder and cumin. Let that cook for just about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until you can really smell how amazing those spices are. It’s a quick step, but it makes a world of difference in the final taste of your healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet.

Simmering to Perfection

Now for the easy part! Pour in that can of black beans (make sure they’re rinsed and drained!) and the undrained diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those yummy ingredients. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a little, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on the skillet, and let it cook for about another 5 to 7 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully, making your healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet taste like it simmered for hours! For more on cooking ground beef, see eating ground beef at 145 degrees.

Finally, take off the lid and give it a taste. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Serve it up hot, and don’t forget those optional toppings!

Tips for Success with Your Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

You know, making this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make it even better! If you like things with a bit more kick, don’t be shy about adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when you toss in the chili powder and cumin. It really wakes things up! And remember, this is your kitchen, so feel free to get creative with the veggies in this quick lean ground beef dinner. You can totally swap out the bell pepper for something else or add extra goodness. It’s all about making your one-pan ground beef and veggie meal perfect for you!

Customizing Your Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

One of the best things about this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is how easy it is to change up! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some corn kernels or chopped zucchini along with the onions and peppers for even more flavor and texture. If you want to make it an even heartier meal, serve this delicious skillet over a bed of fluffy rice or some nutty quinoa. It’s a fantastic way to stretch it a bit further and turn it into a complete feast!

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Got questions about this speedy healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While lean ground beef is fantastic for this quick lean ground beef dinner, you can totally swap it out. Ground turkey or even ground chicken work wonderfully and keep it super healthy. Just make sure to drain off any excess fat, just like with the beef!

What other vegetables work well in this skillet?

Oh, the possibilities for this one-pan ground beef and veggie delight are endless! Besides the bell peppers and onions, try adding some frozen corn, chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach right at the end. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have!

How can I make this healthier?

This healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet is already pretty good for you, but you can always boost it! Use the leanest ground beef you can find, load it up with extra veggies, and maybe skip the cheese topping for a lower-fat option. Serving it over quinoa instead of rice is also a great move for extra fiber!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Healthy 20 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with in this healthy 20 minute ground beef skillet! This is based on the ingredients as listed, without the optional toppings.

• Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: ~400
• Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: ~80mg
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~8g
• Protein: ~30g
• Sugar: ~6g

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