👉GroundBeefVeggie Skillet – Recipes on a Budget

Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet Bake Recipe

Looking for a simple, delicious, and nutritious dinner idea? This Ground Beef and Veggie Skillet Bake is a family-friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a healthy and satisfying choice that everyone at the dinner table will love. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
Lean ground beef works best to keep the dish hearty without being greasy.
1 onion, chopped
Adds a savory depth to the dish and complements the ground beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
1 bell pepper, diced
Choose any color—red, yellow, or green—for a pop of color and sweetness.
1 zucchini, chopped
A nutrient-packed vegetable that adds a subtle, refreshing taste.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Earthy mushrooms lend an umami boost to the casserole.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Choose fire-roasted for extra flavor or no-salt-added for a lighter option.
1 cup shredded cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend—pick your favorite for a gooey, melty topping.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Season as you go to build layers of flavor.
Fresh herbs, for garnish
Parsley, basil, or cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
This step ensures your skillet bake cooks evenly and the cheese on top melts to a perfect golden brown.

2. Brown the ground beef.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

3. Add the onion and garlic.
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Incorporate the vegetables.
Add the diced bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

5. Stir in the diced tomatoes.
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and mix until everything is well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Top with shredded cheese.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. For an extra cheesy touch, add more cheese if desired!

7. Bake.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

8. Garnish and serve.
Remove from the oven and let the skillet cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Success:

Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and avoid excess grease.
Don’t overcook the vegetables during the sautéing stage; you want them tender but not mushy, as they’ll cook further in the oven.
Opt for oven-safe cookware to go straight from stovetop to oven. Cast iron skillets work perfectly for this recipe.
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Customize with your favorite vegetables such as spinach, corn, or carrots for a personalized touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To Store: Cool leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works just as well in this recipe.

Q2: What other vegetables can I use?
A2: Feel free to add or substitute with other veggies like carrots, corn, spinach, or even sweet potatoes.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
A4: Swap the diced tomatoes for a low-carb tomato sauce and replace some of the higher-carb veggies with more zucchini or cauliflower.

Q5: Is there a dairy-free option?
A5: Yes, use a dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese topping altogether and garnish with fresh herbs instead.

Q6: Can I add pasta or rice to the dish?
A6: Yes! Stir in cooked pasta or rice before baking to make it even heartier.

Q7: What type of cheese works best?
A7: Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack.

Q8: How do I keep the cheese from becoming too greasy?
A8: Use freshly shredded cheese from a block instead of pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can cause greasiness.

Q9: Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
A9: No, the juice from the diced tomatoes helps create a flavorful sauce for the dish.

Q10: Can I add beans for extra protein?
A10: Yes, black beans or kidney beans would be a great addition.

Q11: How do I keep the vegetables from overcooking?
A11: Sauté the vegetables just until they start to soften, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Q12: What’s the best way to reheat this skillet bake?
A12: Reheating in the oven at 350°F will help maintain the texture, but the microwave works well for individual servings.

Q13: Can I make this dish spicy?
A13: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.

Q14: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A14: Cover the skillet loosely with foil if the cheese starts to brown too quickly.

Q15: Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
A15: Yes, Italian sausage adds a flavorful twist and pairs well with the veggies.

Q16: Is this dish gluten-free?
A16: Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and other ingredients.

Q17: What herbs work best for garnish?
A17: Fresh parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of oregano would work beautifully.

Q18: Can I use canned mushrooms?
A18: Yes, but fresh mushrooms provide a better texture and flavor.

Q19: How do I keep the beef from drying out?
A19: Make sure not to overcook the beef during the initial browning stage; it will finish cooking with the other ingredients.

Q20: Can I add a crispy topping?
A20: Yes, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a crunchy finish.