Looking for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love? This Ground Beef and Veggies recipe is a fantastic option! It’s a simple one-pan dinner that combines flavorful ground beef with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and hearty dish on the table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pan meal is not only fast to prepare but also packed with nutrients. It’s ideal for families, beginner cooks, or anyone looking for a reliable dinner option. With the combination of ground beef and colorful veggies, you get a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. Plus, clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Ground Beef and Veggies dish:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup red onions (diced)
- ½ cup red bell peppers (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced)
- ½ pound asparagus (trimmed and cut into thirds)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Green onions (for garnish, can substitute with cilantro or parsley)
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes! You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas work well, too. If you want a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes. Additionally, if you’re interested in making this dish lighter, you could substitute lean ground turkey for the beef.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Spoon for stirring
- Chopping board
- Kitchen knife
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, feel free to drain it before moving on to the next step.
Step 2 – Add the Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, add the minced garlic and diced red onions to the skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions start to soften. Then stir in the diced red bell peppers, sliced carrots, and asparagus. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to tenderize.
Step 3 – Combine Everything and Simmer
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the Dijon mustard, tomato sauce, beef broth, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything well. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to become tender and the sauce to reduce slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cover during the last few minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions before serving!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Ground Beef and Veggies turns out great, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the beef room to cook evenly.
- Adjust the types of vegetables based on seasonal options or personal preference.
- Taste as you go! Adjust flavors to match your family’s tastes.
- Use a spatula for easy stirring and breaking apart the beef.
Flavor Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some easy ideas to tweak the flavors:
- Swap the beef for ground turkey if you want a leaner option.
- Add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost.
- Mix in cooked rice or quinoa to make the dish even heartier.
- Include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving for added creaminess.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to enhance the flavors.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Ground Beef and Veggies dish can stand on its own or pair well with a variety of sides:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
- Crusty bread or rolls for dipping
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch
- Grilled or roasted vegetables as a side
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers! Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Ground Beef and Veggies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup red onions (diced)
- ½ cup red bell peppers (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced)
- ½ pound asparagus (trimmed and cut into thirds)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Green onions (for garnish, can substitute with cilantro or parsley)
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks and stir until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red onions to the skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
- Stir in the diced red bell peppers, sliced carrots, and asparagus. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables start to tenderize.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, tomato sauce, beef broth, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to become tender and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the cover during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even deer if you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can chop all your vegetables and measure your ingredients ahead of time. To save more time, you can even cook the meal and store it for later.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower are great additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how long it takes each vegetable to become tender.
How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?
Ground beef is done when it is browned and no longer pink; it should have an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for the best results.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the beef in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
