Hey there, food lovers! If you’re looking for a meal that’s not only hearty but also packed with nutrition, let me introduce you to my favorite ground beef quinoa skillet. This dish is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something quick, filling, and delicious. The combination of juicy ground beef and fluffy quinoa, all simmered together with vibrant veggies and spices, creates a one-pan wonder that’s sure to impress. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it’s perfect for leftovers too! Trust me, once you’ve tried this ground beef quinoa skillet, it’ll become a staple in your home. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious ground beef quinoa skillet! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep things lighter, but feel free to choose your favorite blend.
- 1 cup quinoa: Rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitter taste and get that fluffy texture we love.
- 2 cups beef broth: This adds a rich flavor, but you can use vegetable broth if you want to keep it lighter.
- 1 can black beans: Make sure to drain and rinse them to cut down on sodium and enhance the taste.
- 1 cup corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned, corn brings a nice sweetness and texture to the dish.
- 1 onion, diced: A yellow onion works great here; it adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: You can never go wrong with garlic—its aroma while cooking is heavenly!
- 1 tsp cumin: This spice gives a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and beef, this keeps everything nice and moist.
Once you’ve got everything ready, you’re all set to make a meal that’s sure to satisfy!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this scrumptious ground beef quinoa skillet! It’s super simple and comes together in no time.
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not smoking.
- Add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. The smell will be amazing!
- Next, toss in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the quinoa and beef broth. This is where the magic happens!
- Then, add in the black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once it’s done, give it a good stir and serve hot. You’ll love the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
This ground beef quinoa skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience that you’ll want to share with family and friends! Here’s why it’s so fantastic:
- One-pan wonder: Less clean-up means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Nutritious and filling: With quinoa, beans, and veggies, it’s a powerhouse of protein and fiber.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Change up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Leftover-friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success with Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
To make your ground beef quinoa skillet the best it can be, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa: This step is crucial! Rinsing removes the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- Brown the beef well: Take your time with this step to develop a nice depth of flavor. No one likes a bland skillet!
- Adjust the liquid: If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a bit more beef broth or a splash of water.
- Season to taste: Always taste your dish before serving. Feel free to add more spices or salt to suit your preferences.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let your skillet sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Variations of Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
One of the best things about this ground beef quinoa skillet is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Southwestern twist: Add some diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Italian flair: Swap the spices for Italian seasoning and toss in some diced tomatoes and spinach.
- Veggie-packed: Load it up with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or kale for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy goodness: Stir in some shredded cheese at the end for a melty, comforting finish.
- Herbaceous touch: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish and add a pop of flavor.
Feel free to experiment with these ideas and make this skillet your own!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious ground beef quinoa skillet, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! I love pairing it with a simple side salad—something fresh and crunchy like a classic Caesar or a vibrant mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette. It really balances the hearty flavors of the skillet!
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds a creamy touch that’s simply divine. You might also consider serving it with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the savory goodness. And don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up! Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Leftovers from your ground beef quinoa skillet can be just as delicious as the first serving! To store, simply let the skillet cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. You can either use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or gently reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Trust me, this dish holds up beautifully, and the flavors get even better with time!
Nutritional Information for Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
This ground beef quinoa skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
With its balanced combination of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this skillet is a fantastic choice for a nutritious meal that keeps you satisfied!
FAQ about Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
Got questions about my ground beef quinoa skillet? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions I often hear:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a leaner protein option. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have quinoa?
No problem! You can substitute it with rice or couscous. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as rice typically takes longer to cook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this skillet is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for later.
How do I know when the quinoa is done?
The quinoa is ready when it’s fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll see tiny white curls around the grains—this means it’s cooked perfectly!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to load it up with any veggies you love—bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be fantastic additions!
I hope this helps you get started with your ground beef quinoa skillet adventure!
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Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and nutritious ground beef quinoa skillet dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in quinoa and beef broth.
- Add black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute turkey for a leaner option.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor.
- This dish can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef quinoa skillet
