Name: 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped); 1 large crown broccoli (chopped); 6 radishes (chopped); 1 pound grass-fed ground beef; 1 tsp sea salt (to taste); 2 tsp ground ginger (optional); 1 medium zucchini squash (chopped); 1 large yellow squash (chopped)

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Cooking has always been a way for me to unwind after a long day, and one of my favorite go-to meals is the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet. There’s something truly satisfying about combining fresh, vibrant vegetables with hearty ground beef all in one dish. It’s the kind of recipe that brings together flavors and colors, making the kitchen feel alive. Whenever I find myself short on time but craving something delicious and nutritious, this skillet dish comes to the rescue. It offers a delightful balance of ease and flavor, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to serve something wholesome to your family.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Peeler

What Sets This 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet Apart

Speedy Preparation

One of the standout features of the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet is how quickly it can be prepared. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can have a warm, satisfying meal on your table in no time. Perfect for evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something that feels like a home-cooked feast.

Healthy and Nutritious

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The combination of colorful vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and zucchini provides essential vitamins and minerals. Each bite is loaded with flavor and health benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel great about serving.

Versatility

The beauty of the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. This makes it a fantastic recipe to adapt throughout the year, ensuring it never becomes boring.

One-Pan Wonder

Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? It means less cleanup, and with this skillet dish, you can cook everything in one place. The flavors meld beautifully in the skillet, creating a delicious and harmonious dish that makes dinner feel like a treat.

Family-Friendly

This recipe is a hit with both adults and kids, making it an ideal family meal. The ground beef adds a satisfying protein element that makes this dish filling, while the vibrant vegetables keep it visually appealing. It’s a great way to sneak in those essential greens without any complaints.

Incredible Flavors

Lastly, the flavors in this dish are simply incredible. The combination of spices, including sea salt and optional ginger, enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the beef, creating a deliciously balanced meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients for 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet

When it comes to the ingredients for the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet, simplicity is key. Fresh, wholesome ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. The star players are the vibrant vegetables that add both color and nutrition, while the ground beef brings a hearty element to the dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the overall flavor and texture, making this dish not only tasty but also satisfying.

1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – This healthy fat is essential for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich base flavor.
2 large carrots – Peeled and chopped, they add a lovely sweetness and crunchy texture.
1 large crown broccoli – Chopped into florets, bringing vibrant color and packed with nutrients.
6 radishes – Chopped, they provide a peppery crunch that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
1 pound grass-fed ground beef – This is the protein powerhouse of the dish, contributing flavor and heartiness.
1 tsp sea salt to taste – Enhances the flavors of the dish and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
2 tsp ground ginger (optional) – Adds a warming spice that can elevate the flavor profile.
1 medium zucchini squash – Chopped, adds subtle sweetness and a satisfying texture.
1 large yellow squash – Chopped, it complements the zucchini and adds a splash of color.

Step by Step Guide for 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet

Cooking the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. This method ensures that the vegetables remain crisp, while the beef cooks to perfection. Let’s get started, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Begin by heating avocado oil in a large (12-inch) cast iron skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
Next, add the chopped carrots, broccoli, and radishes to the skillet. Stir well to ensure they’re coated with the oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. You’ll notice a lovely aroma filling your kitchen as they cook.
Once the vegetables have softened, scoot them to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side. Flatten the beef against the skillet to create a nice layer, which will help it brown evenly. Sprinkle the beef with sea salt and ground ginger, if using.
Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a good sear. Then, flip it over and continue browning for another 2 minutes. As it cooks, use a spatula to break the beef into chunks, mixing it in with the vegetables until everything is well combined.
Add the chopped zucchini squash and yellow squash to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, then cover the skillet again. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
After 5 minutes, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt if necessary. This is the moment to add any additional flavors you prefer.
Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes. This step allows any excess liquid to evaporate, ensuring the dish has a nice texture without being too soupy.
Once you’re satisfied with the consistency, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your delicious 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet in bowls, and enjoy the beautiful medley of colors and flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Vegetable Size Matters: When chopping your vegetables, try to cut them into similar sizes. This ensures even cooking.
Flavor Layering: Seasoning the beef as it cooks allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the vegetables.
Cooking Temperature: Medium heat is crucial for even cooking. Too high, and the beef may burn before the vegetables are tender.
Don’t Skip the Lid: Covering the skillet helps steam the vegetables, making them tender while retaining their vibrant color.

Customization Ideas

If you love to personalize your meals, the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet offers countless options to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Switch Up the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
Add More Greens: Consider adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding chili powder, cumin, or even a splash of soy sauce for different flavor profiles.
Cheese Lovers: Top the finished skillet with shredded cheese for a melty, gooey finish.
Serve It Over: Consider serving the skillet over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a refreshing touch when sprinkled on top before serving.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

What Complements This 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet

Serving the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet can be just as fun as cooking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Pair with Rice: Serving this dish over a bed of fluffy rice adds substance and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet.
Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any juices left in the bowl.
Dinner Parties: This dish is great for casual dinner gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Lunch Leftovers: Reheat leftovers for a quick and nutritious lunch option.
Seasonal Variations: Change up the vegetables based on what’s in season for fresh flavors all year round.
Kids’ Favorite: It’s a perfect dish for kids, and they can help with prepping the veggies!

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each option will bring its unique flavor and texture, making the dish versatile enough for any dietary preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of meat you choose, so make sure to adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.

This skillet recipe is very adaptable! You can substitute the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For example, bell peppers, snap peas, or even corn can be great additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking times for different vegetables, especially if they have varying textures. The aim is to have everything tender yet still maintaining some crunch.

Yes, the 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and store it in individual portions. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze portions for up to two months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

To elevate the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme or basil at the end of cooking. You can also incorporate different spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add depth to the overall flavor profile. Don’t forget to taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Conclusion

The 30 Minute Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet is more than just a quick meal; it’s a flavorful symphony of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The convenience of this dish makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and its adaptability means you can enjoy it any time of year. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!