One Pan Ground Beef Recipes

Name: One Pan Ground Beef Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Traditional Cozy Cooking

I love easy and delicious meals, and one pan ground beef recipes never disappoint. With just one pan, I can whip up a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient that it’s fun to explore different combinations of spices, vegetables, and sauces. From tacos to casseroles, these recipes make weeknight dinners a breeze and satisfy everyone at the table. Let’s dive into one of my favorite ways to enjoy this versatile meat!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:40:15.756Z

Throughout my cooking journey, I’ve experimented with one pan meals, and ground beef recipes have become my top choice for their convenience and flavor. The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity; everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. One key tip is to not overcrowd the pan, which ensures a nice sear on the beef, enhancing the overall taste.

I often serve these dishes with a side of rice or a simple salad. It's amazing how versatility can shine through just one ingredient. Whether I'm adding beans for tacos or cheese for a hearty casserole, ground beef adapts to countless culinary adventures!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan convenience that saves time and cleanup.
Adaptable ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Rich, savory flavors that please the whole family.

Perfecting the Ground Beef

For the most flavorful one pan ground beef dish, start by choosing the right beef. Ground beef with around 80% lean content gives the best flavor while still having enough fat to prevent the meat from drying out during cooking. When browning, ensure the meat is spread in an even layer in the skillet to allow for proper searing. You want to achieve a nice brown color for deeper flavor, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes on medium heat.

As the ground beef cooks, don’t forget the importance of breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula! This allows it to cook evenly and lets you monitor doneness more easily. If the beef clumps together, you may not achieve that nice browning, which adds depth to the dish. Once browned, draining any excess fat is optional; a bit of rendered fat can enhance the cooking of the vegetables.

Building Flavor With Vegetables

The choice of vegetables significantly affects the final flavor profile of this dish. Onions and garlic form a fragrant base that complements the rich beef. When adding the bell pepper, opt for a ripe one for maximum sweetness. Cooking these vegetables until they're soft (about 5 minutes) releases their natural sugars, which sweetens the dish and elevates the overall taste. You can also consider adding chopped zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

When adding spices like chili powder and cumin, think about toasting them briefly in the hot pan. This technique draws out their essential oils, intensifying their flavor before mixing them with the other ingredients. Don’t rush this step; even an additional minute can bring a noticeable enhancement. This method is particularly effective if you're using older spices that may have lost some potency.

Ingredients

For the One Pan Ground Beef Dish

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Feel free to customize the vegetables or spices based on what you have at home!

Cooking Steps

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables and Spices

Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Simmer the Mixture

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Pair your meal with rice, tortillas, or a light salad for a complete dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking to spice things up.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This one pan ground beef dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If you find the mixture has thickened, a splash of broth or water can help regain its moisture without compromising texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions in individual servings. Lay it flat in freezer-safe bags to save space and allow for quicker thawing. It can stay in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or you can cook it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to customize this recipe to meet your family's tastes or dietary requirements. If you're looking for a low-carb option, swap out the corn for diced zucchini or cauliflower rice, which will still provide a satisfying texture while reducing the dish's carb count. You can also adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a hot chili powder for an extra kick.

For a completely different flavor profile, consider adding some taco seasoning or Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil, to create variations that maintain the one-pan convenience but change the overall taste. You can also top with different kinds of cheese or incorporate a dash of heavy cream for a creamy finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Lean ground beef will work well and reduce the fat content.

→ How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños for a kick!

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to swap in whatever you have, like zucchini or spinach—they’ll cook well in the dish.