Classic Hamburger Meat Skillet Dinner

Name: Classic Hamburger Meat Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned); 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional); Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Recipe Vault

I love a good one-pan meal, and this Classic Hamburger Meat Skillet Dinner is one of my all-time favorites. It’s quick, hearty, and full of flavor, making it perfect for weeknights when I want something satisfying but easy to pull together. The combination of seasoned ground beef and fresh veggies means I can sneak in some nutrition while still enjoying a comforting dish. Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which is always a win in my book.

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:09:39.183Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how a simple blend of ingredients could create something so delicious. I love to customize it with my favorite spices and whatever veggies I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll even toss in some leftover rice or pasta at the end for a more filling meal. This flexibility has made it a staple in my household.

One key tip I’ve learned over the years is to brown the meat properly; it develops a rich flavor that elevates the entire dish. I also recommend using a cast-iron skillet if you have one, as it retains heat beautifully and gives that perfect sear to the meat. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy one-pan dinner solution
Rich flavors from perfectly seasoned ground beef
Versatile with endless customization options
Minimal clean-up makes it perfect for busy nights

Mastering the Meat

Choosing the right ground beef is crucial for this dish, as it contributes significantly to the flavor and texture. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for an ideal balance of meatiness and fat, ensuring your dish remains juicy and flavorful. When you brown the meat, aim for a nice deep brown on the bottom of the pan to develop rich flavors—this step usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, although they might lack the same depth of flavor.

While browning the meat, don’t forget to break it apart into small crumbles for even cooking. This will help each bite absorb all the delicious seasonings you add later. If too much fat renders from the beef (especially with fattier blends), drain it carefully to prevent a greasy base for your dish. You can also save this fat for future cooking if you desire; it adds great flavor when used in other sautés or stews.

Vegetable Versatility

The vegetables in this skillet not only enhance the flavor but also provide a rainbow of nutrients. Bell peppers are a fantastic choice for their sweetness and crunch, but feel free to explore other options like zucchini or mushrooms for varied textures. Just ensure they are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking. I like to sauté my bell peppers until they are vibrant and slightly softened—this takes roughly 5 minutes, helping them blend beautifully with the other ingredients.

For an extra flavor kick, consider adding fresh herbs or spices such as oregano or fresh cilantro at the end of cooking to brighten your dish. If you're working with seasonal vegetables, adapt the recipe by adding what you have on hand. Just be mindful of cooking times; quicker-cooking veggies should be added later in the process to maintain some crunch.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Classic Hamburger Meat Skillet Dinner is ideal for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a perfect option for your weekly meal rotation. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; just cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Reheating from frozen is easy—just thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the stovetop reheat method.

Serving this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread can elevate your meal experience. If you have picky eaters, try serving the mixture over a tortilla for a fun twist. You could also set up a toppings bar with avocados, salsa, or Greek yogurt to customize each plate. This not only encourages everyone to enjoy the meal but also adds a little flair beyond the one-pan experience.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. It will make the process smoother!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Classic Hamburger Meat Skillet Dinner:

Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the bell pepper, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

Combine and Simmer

If using rice or pasta, stir it into the skillet now. Mix everything well, cover, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well combined and hot, remove from heat. Top with shredded cheese if desired, serve warm, and enjoy!

This skillet dinner is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand or add your favorite spices to make this dish your own. A splash of hot sauce can also spice things up a little!

Flavor Boosters

Incorporating seasonings at the right time can make a significant difference in the depth of flavor. When you add the chili powder and cumin after the vegetables have softened, it allows the spices to bloom and infuse the dish with warmth. Be sure to toast the spices for about a minute before adding liquids; this small step enhances their potency and contributes to a more aromatic dish.

If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes during the vegetable stage. This not only will wake up the dish but also create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the corn and bell pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your personal taste; cooking should be an enjoyable adventure in flavor!

Customization Ideas

Customizing this skillet dinner is part of its charm. You can swap out the canned tomatoes for salsa or a spicy tomato sauce for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for vegetarian options, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils and beans for protein and texture; just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is heated through.

Additionally, the choice of base is flexible; instead of rice or pasta, try serving this mixture over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. It’s a breeze to experiment with different grains or spiraled vegetables, making this dish adaptable to different diets and preferences without compromising on deliciousness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and is a healthier option.

→ Is it okay to add extra vegetables?

Yes, you can add any veggies you like—zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions!

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.