Meal-In-A-Skillet
A hearty, flavorful skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tomatoes, all cooked to perfection and stirred with rice for a satisfying one-pan dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, it offers a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and comfort flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add ground round, diced onion, diced celery, and diced green pepper; cook until meat is browned, stirring until it crumbles.
- Drain, if necessary.
- Return meat mixture to skillet; add diced fresh tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- To serve, stir cooked rice into the meat mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic or spices like cumin to the ground round while cooking. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or a plant-based protein for the ground round. You can also use canned tomatoes in place of fresh if that's what you have on hand. This dish is versatile and can easily adapt to various dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This Meal-In-A-Skillet pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner. You can also serve it over cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and nutrition. For a hearty breakfast option, try incorporating it into a breakfast burrito or serve it alongside scrambled eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meal-In-A-Skillet contains roughly 153 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It's a great option for meal prep or quick dinners during a busy week.
What can I substitute for ground round?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for the ground round. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats, to prevent drying out. This allows you to customize the recipe to fit different dietary needs or preferences.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground round with a combination of beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like tempeh. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. Check out vegan recipes for more ideas and variations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).