Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—the ground beef quinoa skillet! This dish is a game-changer, bursting with flavor and so hearty that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I adore how versatile it is; you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it’s still fantastic! Plus, quinoa adds a lovely nutty flavor while packing in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for the whole family. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is just heavenly, and the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, which means easy cleanup! If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that won’t take ages to make, this is it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef – I usually go for lean ground beef, but you can use what you have on hand!
- 1 cup quinoa – This little grain is a powerhouse! Rinse it before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- 2 cups beef broth – For extra flavor, use homemade or low-sodium beef broth.
- 1 can diced tomatoes – Helps to keep everything nice and juicy. I love using fire-roasted for a smoky flavor!
- 1 onion, chopped – Sweet or yellow onions work great; they add a lovely base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic kick, but garlic powder can work in a pinch!
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – Any color works! I personally love the sweetness of red bell peppers.
- 1 tsp cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that really elevates the dish.
- 1 tsp paprika – I like to use smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth—so good!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to adjust these according to your preference!
- Olive oil – Just a drizzle to start everything off right in the skillet.
How to Prepare a Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Getting ready to whip up this delicious ground beef quinoa skillet is super simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal in no time.
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, pour a drizzle of olive oil into your skillet and heat it over medium heat. This step is crucial because it’s where the magic begins! The oil not only prevents sticking but also helps in developing beautiful flavors throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the oil is nice and hot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen is just divine! This is where the base flavor of your dish really starts to shine.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want that beautiful brown color, which means it’s packed with flavor!
Step 4: Add Bell Pepper and Spices
Now, stir in the chopped bell pepper along with the cumin and paprika. I love this part because it layers the flavors beautifully! Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes, letting the spices bloom. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 5: Incorporate Quinoa and Broth
Time to add your rinsed quinoa and beef broth to the skillet. Bring everything to a lively boil! This step is key for cooking the quinoa perfectly, so don’t skip it. The quinoa will soak up all those delicious flavors while it cooks.
Step 6: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to check occasionally to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom. When it’s done, the quinoa should be fluffy, and the liquid absorbed—just what you’re aiming for!
Step 7: Add Diced Tomatoes
After the quinoa is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This last step brings everything together, adding a juicy freshness to the mix. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Step 8: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and then it’s time to serve hot! I love pairing this skillet with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the ground beef and quinoa, plus fiber from the veggies, it’s a well-rounded meal.
- Hearty Flavor: With the blend of spices and the richness of the beef, every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Easy cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of a pile of dishes afterward!
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to fit your taste—it’s versatile!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it a hit at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed in this ground beef quinoa skillet! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the hearty meal you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fiber. It’s perfect for keeping you satisfied and energized throughout your day. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients!
Tips for Success
If you want to take your ground beef quinoa skillet to the next level, here are some of my favorite pro tips that’ll help you make it perfect every time!
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking is important! It removes any bitterness and helps the grains fluff up nicely.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a lovely pop of color!
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you like a bit of heat, toss in some chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Mix in Extra Veggies: This dish is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach. It’ll add even more nutrients and flavor!
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure you really get that ground beef nicely browned. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the overall taste.
- Leftover Magic: This skillet is fantastic for leftovers! You can turn it into a filling for burritos or serve it over a bed of greens for a fresh salad the next day.
- Mind the Liquid: If you find your skillet is too dry while cooking, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or water to keep everything nice and moist.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this quinoa skillet. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How do I know when the quinoa is done cooking?
You’ll know the quinoa is ready when it’s fluffy and the little germ ring separates from the seed. If there’s still liquid left, just cover and let it simmer a little longer—quinoa can be forgiving!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This ground beef quinoa skillet stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I serve with the ground beef quinoa skillet?
I love serving this dish with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. You could also top it with avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this ground beef quinoa skillet a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just make sure your beef broth is also gluten-free if that’s a concern!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? Lucky you! This ground beef quinoa skillet stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. To store, simply let the skillet cool down a bit, then transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to label it with the date, so you know when to enjoy it by!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it on the stove for the best flavor and texture. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to keep everything moist, and heat over medium until it’s warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Oh, and a little tip: if you find the skillet has thickened up a bit too much in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a touch more broth while reheating, and it’ll be as good as new. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet: 8 Hearty Steps to Happiness
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A hearty ground beef quinoa skillet packed with flavor.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Add quinoa and beef broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cook for 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.
Uwagi
- Use low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 6g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: ground beef quinoa skillet
