16 One-Pan Ground Beef Dinners (Easy Weeknight Skillet Recipes)

Busy weeknights call for dinners that practically cook themselves. These one-pan ground beef dinners go from skillet to table with almost no cleanup, and every one is loaded with cozy, family-approved flavor. Grab your biggest skillet — dinner is about to get a whole lot easier.

1. Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet

All the best parts of taco night in one bubbling, cheese-capped skillet — on the table in 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, about 6 minutes.
2. Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper; cook 4 minutes until softened.
3. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the salsa and cooked rice; stir to combine and simmer 3 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the top, cover, and cook 3 minutes until melted.
6. Top with cilantro and serve straight from the skillet.

2. One-Pan Beef & Pepper Rice

Savory ground beef, sweet peppers, and fluffy rice simmered together in a smoky tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 3/4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a deep skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, peppers, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes until just tender.
3. Stir in the rice and smoked paprika; toast 1 minute.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 18 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Fluff with a fork and rest 5 minutes before serving.

3. Skillet Beef Stroganoff

Creamy, mushroom-studded stroganoff with tender beef and egg noodles — all in a single pan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the mushrooms and onion in a large skillet, about 7 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the beef broth and add the egg noodles; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

4. Korean Beef Rice Bowls

Sweet-savory sesame beef with a gentle kick of heat, piled over steamy rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over high heat, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
3. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil; toss to coat.
4. Simmer 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Spoon over hot rice in bowls.
6. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like.

5. Beefy Tomato Basil Pasta

A hearty skillet pasta with seasoned beef, bright tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the onion in a large deep skillet, about 6 minutes.
2. Add garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
4. Add the penne, cover, and simmer 14 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover and simmer 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in Parmesan and basil; serve with extra cheese.

6. Skillet Shepherd's Pie

A cozy classic — savory beef and veggies under a blanket of fluffy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler. Brown the beef and onion in an oven-safe skillet, 6 minutes.
2. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and broth; simmer 4 minutes.
3. Add the peas and carrots; cook 3 minutes until heated through.
4. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling.
5. Sprinkle with cheddar.
6. Broil 3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Cheeseburger Mac Skillet

Childhood favorite meets weeknight hero — creamy, cheesy mac with seasoned burger beef.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup diced pickles

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain fat.
2. Add the macaroni, broth, and milk; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in ketchup and mustard.
5. Add the cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted.
6. Top with diced pickles and serve.

8. Beef Enchilada Skillet Rice

Zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, and melty cheese turn beef and rice into fiesta night.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a deep skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the rice and toast 1 minute.
3. Add enchilada sauce, broth, beans, and corn; bring to a boil.
4. Cover and simmer on low 18 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Sprinkle Monterey Jack over the top and cover 3 minutes to melt.
6. Garnish with green onions.

9. Garlic Butter Beef & Green Beans

Tender beef strips and crisp green beans tossed in a rich garlic-butter glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over high heat, 5 minutes; remove to a plate.
2. Melt the butter in the same skillet and add the green beans.
3. Cook 5 minutes, stirring, until beans are crisp-tender.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
5. Return the beef; add soy sauce, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Toss 2 minutes until glossy and heated through.

10. Sloppy Joe Skillet Bake

Sweet-tangy sloppy joe filling bubbling under a golden cornbread-style top.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown the beef with onion and pepper in an oven-safe skillet.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; simmer 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle half the cheddar over the filling.
4. Arrange the biscuits on top and sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
5. Bake 18 minutes until biscuits are golden.
6. Cool 5 minutes and serve.

11. Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Budget-friendly and filling — seasoned beef with sweet, buttery cabbage in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. Melt the butter in the same skillet; add cabbage and onion.
3. Cook 8 minutes, stirring, until cabbage softens and browns at the edges.
4. Add garlic and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute.
5. Return the beef and stir in the vinegar.
6. Top with parsley and serve.

12. Burrito Bowl Skillet

Everything you love in a burrito bowl — cilantro-lime rice, beans, and zesty beef.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with taco seasoning in a deep skillet, 6 minutes.
2. Stir in the rice and toast 1 minute.
3. Add broth, beans, and corn; bring to a boil.
4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
6. Serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.

13. Mongolian Beef Noodle Skillet

Crispy-edged ground beef tossed with slurp-worthy noodles in a glossy sweet-soy garlic glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 3 tbsp neutral oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over high heat until crispy at the edges, about 8 minutes; drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth; simmer 3 minutes until slightly syrupy.
5. Toss the noodles and sesame oil into the skillet until every strand is glazed.
6. Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve hot.

14. Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

All the cheesy, peppery glory of a cheesesteak — no hoagie roll required, ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; saute the pepper, onion, and mushrooms until soft, about 7 minutes.
2. Push the vegetables aside and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, about 6 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Mix the beef and vegetables together and level the top.
5. Lay the provolone slices over the skillet; cover and cook 3 minutes until melty.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve straight from the pan.

15. Beefy Lasagna Skillet

Broken lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta — lasagna night without the layering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, about 6 minutes; stir in the garlic.
2. Add the marinara, water, Italian seasoning, and broken noodles; stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and stir until most of the liquid is absorbed and the noodles are tender.
5. Dollop the ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover 3 minutes until the cheese melts; garnish with basil before serving.

16. Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Skillet

Takeout-style teriyaki beef with crisp-tender broccoli, glazed and on the table in 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp cornstarch whisked with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat; sear the broccoli 4 minutes until charred at the edges. Set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, about 6 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar; simmer 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef.
6. Return the broccoli to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve over jasmine rice with sesame seeds.