Quick 30-Minute Ground Beef Veggie Skillet Recipe

This Ground Beef Veggie Skillet Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing meal that satisfies the whole family.

What You’ll Get:

• A complete one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes
• Protein-packed meal loaded with colorful vegetables
• Budget-friendly recipe using everyday ingredients
• Step-by-step instructions perfect for cooking beginners

Why This Ground Beef Veggie Skillet Recipe Works

Ever stare into your refrigerator at 5 PM wondering what to make for dinner? This Ground Beef Veggie Skillet Recipe solves that problem. When time is tight but you still want something nutritious, this recipe delivers a complete meal in just one pan.

I love this Ground Beef Veggie Skillet Recipe because it’s foolproof and flexible. You can swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, and the simple cooking method means even kitchen beginners can create a delicious dinner. Plus, cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in a single skillet!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	22g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	620mg
Sugar	6g

Values are approximate and based on recipe as written.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean ground beef	1 pound	85/15 fat ratio recommended
Zucchini	2 medium	About 2 cups when diced
Carrots	2 large	About 1 cup when sliced
Yellow onion	1 medium	About 1 cup when diced
Broccoli florets	2 cups	Fresh is best
Garlic	3 cloves	Freshly minced
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Divided
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Chili powder	1 teaspoon
Ground ginger	1/2 teaspoon

Kitchen Tools

Tool	Purpose
12-inch skillet	Main cooking vessel
Sharp knife	For chopping vegetables
Cutting board	Separate one for meat recommended
Measuring spoons	For accurate seasoning
Wooden spoon	For stirring and breaking up meat
Meat chopper	Optional but helpful for ground beef
Paper towels	For draining beef if needed
Colander	For washing vegetables
Kitchen towel	For drying vegetables
Large bowl	For holding prepped ingredients

Detailed Instructions for Beginners

Setting Up Your Workspace (3 minutes)

1. Clear your counter space
   • Remove any clutter
   • Wipe surfaces clean with hot, soapy water
   • Dry completely
2. Gather equipment and ingredients
   • Set skillet on stove (don’t turn on yet)
   • Place cutting board and knife at your work station
   • Arrange all ingredients on counter
   • Put measuring tools nearby
3. Create prep areas
   • Designate a spot for chopped vegetables
   • Set up trash or compost bowl for scraps
   • Fill sink halfway with cool water for vegetable washing

Vegetable Preparation (10-12 minutes)

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly
   • Place all vegetables in colander
   • Rinse under cool running water
   • Gently rub surfaces to remove dirt
   • Dry with clean kitchen towel
2. Prepare zucchini (both medium zucchini)
   • Cut off stem and blossom ends
   • Stand zucchini upright and cut in half lengthwise
   • Lay flat sides down and cut each half lengthwise again
   • Cut across into 1/2-inch chunks
   • Transfer to large bowl
3. Prepare carrots (both large carrots)
   • Peel carrots using vegetable peeler
   • Trim off ends
   • Cut in half lengthwise
   • Slice into 1/4-inch half-moons
   • Add to bowl with zucchini
4. Prepare onion (one medium onion)
   • Cut off both ends
   • Cut in half from top to bottom
   • Peel off outer layers
   • Place cut-side down
   • Slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
   • Cut across strips to create dice
   • Add to vegetable bowl
5. Prepare broccoli (2 cups florets)
   • Cut florets from main stem
   • Split larger pieces into bite-sized chunks (1-inch pieces)
   • Add to bowl with other vegetables
6. Prepare garlic (3 cloves)
   • Separate cloves from head
   • Remove papery skin
   • Place flat side of knife on clove and press to crush
   • Finely mince crushed cloves
   • Keep separate from other vegetables

Cooking Phase (20-25 minutes)

1. Cook the ground beef (8-10 minutes)
   • Place skillet on stove and turn heat to medium-high
   • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Wait until oil shimmers (about 1 minute)
   • Add 1 pound ground beef
   • Break meat into small pieces with wooden spoon
   • BEGINNER TIP: If pieces are too large, your finished dish will be chunky instead of evenly distributed
   • Cook until no pink remains, stirring occasionally
   • Transfer beef to paper towel-lined plate
   • Leave 1 tablespoon fat in pan
   • WARNING: Always wash hands after handling raw meat
2. Cook hearty vegetables first (5 minutes)
   • Using same skillet, add remaining olive oil
   • Add onions and carrots
   • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute
   • BEGINNER TIP: Starting with firmer vegetables ensures nothing overcooks
   • Look for onions becoming translucent and carrots slightly softening
3. Add remaining vegetables (5-6 minutes)
   • Add zucchini and broccoli to skillet
   • Spread evenly across pan
   • Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally
   • Vegetables should brighten in color but remain slightly crisp
   • COMMON MISTAKE: Overcooking vegetables makes them mushy
4. Add aromatics and return beef (3-4 minutes)
   • Add minced garlic to vegetable mixture
   • Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant
   • WARNING: Garlic burns easily, watch carefully
   • Return cooked beef to skillet
   • Mix thoroughly to combine with vegetables
5. Season and finish (2-3 minutes)
   • Sprinkle all seasonings evenly over mixture:
     • 1 teaspoon salt
     • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1 teaspoon onion powder
     • 1 teaspoon chili powder
     • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
   • Stir well to distribute seasonings
   • Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally
   • Remove from heat
   • Let stand 2 minutes before serving
   • Divide into 4 equal portions

Like my Beef Queso Mac and Cheese, this recipe makes enough for four hearty servings.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Skillet Too Watery

• Solution: Increase heat to medium-high
• Prevention: Don’t overcrowd pan with vegetables
• Fix: Continue cooking uncovered until liquid evaporates

Problem: Tough or Dry Beef

• Solution: Remove beef as soon as no pink remains
• Prevention: Don’t press meat while cooking
• Fix: Add 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth to rehydrate

Problem: Unevenly Cooked Vegetables

• Solution: Cut all vegetables to similar size
• Prevention: Add vegetables in stages based on firmness
• Fix: Remove finished vegetables and continue cooking firmer ones

Problem: Bland Flavor

• Solution: Season each layer (meat and vegetables separately)
• Prevention: Don’t forget salt and pepper
• Fix: Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Options

Want to mix things up? Try these protein swaps:

• Ground turkey (leaner option)
• Ground chicken (milder flavor)
• Ground pork (richer taste)
• Plant-based ground (vegetarian version)

If you enjoy these protein variations, you might also like my Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas which can be made with any ground meat.

Vegetable Swaps

Use what you have on hand:

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• Mushrooms (cremini or button)
• Green beans (trimmed)
• Cabbage (thinly sliced)
• Spinach (add last minute)
• Cauliflower (cut into small florets)

Flavor Variations

• Italian: Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• Mexican: Use 2 teaspoons taco seasoning and top with avocado
• Asian: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For a Mexican twist similar to my Ground Beef Enchiladas, add 1 teaspoon cumin and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

1. Cool completely before storing
2. Place in airtight container
3. Refrigerate up to 3 days

Freezer Storage

1. Cool completely
2. Portion into freezer-safe containers
3. Remove as much air as possible
4. Label with date and contents
5. Freeze up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

Microwave (Quickest Method):

1. Place portion in microwave-safe dish
2. Cover loosely
3. Heat on high 1 minute
4. Stir thoroughly
5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot throughout

Stovetop (Best for Texture):

1. Heat skillet over medium heat
2. Add 1 teaspoon oil
3. Add leftover mixture
4. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes
5. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if mixture seems dry

Safety Notes & Pro Tips

Food Safety

• Cook ground beef to 160°F internal temperature
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap after handling raw meat
• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep vegetables up to 24 hours ahead
• Use pre-chopped vegetables from grocery store
• Clean as you cook to reduce final cleanup
• Keep a scrap bowl on your counter for peels and trimmings

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over rice or cauliflower rice
• Wrap in tortillas for quick burritos
• Top with shredded cheese or sliced avocado
• Pack in containers for easy meal prep lunches

Dietary Notes

• Gluten-Free: Recipe as written is gluten-free
• Dairy-Free: Omit optional cheese topping
• Low-Carb: 15g carbohydrates per serving
• Paleo-Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

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Quick Stats:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people