There’s just something so comforting about a hearty meal that warms both the belly and the soul, right? I mean, when I think of cozy evenings, the ground beef quinoa skillet always comes to mind! It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together all the goodness of ground beef and the nutty flavor of quinoa, making it not only filling but also nutritious. I remember the first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight—my family couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s so easy to make, and clean-up is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, let’s get that ground beef sizzling! Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the crumbled ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. You’ll want to break it apart with your spatula as you go. This is where the magic starts—just look at that beautiful color!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen at this point—so good!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together! Stir in the rinsed quinoa, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, corn, cumin, and paprika. Make sure everything is well mixed so that those spices coat the veggies and quinoa evenly. This is where you can get creative too—don’t be shy about adding your favorite veggies!
Step 4: Cook the Skillet
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy. Just peek under the lid a couple of times to make sure everything is bubbling away nicely. You’ll see the quinoa absorb all that delicious broth!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once the quinoa is done, it’s time to taste! Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir and serve it hot. You can enjoy it straight from the skillet or dish it out onto plates—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this ground beef quinoa skillet! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is not only hearty but also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a fantastic option for a balanced meal. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re savoring!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this ground beef quinoa skillet is truly a game-changer! First off, it’s a quick one-pan meal—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. And can we talk about how it’s packed with protein? With all that ground beef and quinoa, you’re getting a hearty dose of nourishment in every bite. But wait, there’s more! You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it super versatile. Plus, it’s fantastic for meal prep; you can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your ground beef quinoa skillet turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my go-to tips that I swear by:
- Season to taste: Don’t hold back on the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You might even want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
- Don’t skip the rinsing: Make sure to rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
- Mix it up: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Zucchini, spinach, or even black beans can be fantastic additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you add any veggies that take longer to soften.
- Let it rest: After you remove the skillet from heat, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid and fluff up beautifully!
- Meal prep magic: If you’re making this for meal prep, divide the skillet into individual servings and store them in airtight containers. It reheats well in the microwave, so you can enjoy it all week long!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering this dish in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about the ground beef quinoa skillet is how adaptable it is! You can totally make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:
- Spice it up: If you’re in the mood for a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce. It’ll give your dish a nice kick!
- Veggie overload: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or even some carrots. Just remember to adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly!
- Southwestern flair: Give it a Tex-Mex twist by adding black beans, corn, and some taco seasoning. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese just before serving for a delicious finish!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs can elevate this dish incredibly! Try stirring in some chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Cheesy goodness: For all the cheese lovers out there, mix in some shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Cheddar or Monterey Jack would melt beautifully!
These variations allow you to play around and make this skillet dish your own. Have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious ground beef quinoa skillet and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this dish is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy days ahead!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Just stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time around! Enjoy your hearty meal all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might cook a bit faster than ground beef.
How do I know when the quinoa is done?
You’ll know the quinoa is ready when it’s fluffy and the little tails (the germ) start to spiral out. It usually takes about 20 minutes of simmering, but you can always taste a bit to check!
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly. For a lighter flavor, water can also be used, but broth really amps up the taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! This skillet meal is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it as directed, cool it down, and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the spices or reduce the amount of cumin and paprika. For some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños—just be sure to taste as you go!
Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet: 5 Comforting Steps to Savor
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A hearty one-pan meal featuring ground beef and quinoa.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in quinoa, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, cumin, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: ground beef, quinoa, skillet, one-pan meal
