Skillet Beans
A hearty skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and flavorful steak sauce, topped with flaky buttermilk biscuits. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a savory blend of spices and textures that appeal to meat lovers and bean enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and pressed garlic in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until the meat crumbles; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the undrained pinto beans, undrained black beans, steak sauce, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuits in half and arrange them on top of the meat mixture.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until biscuits are cooked through.
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter and broil 4 inches from heat for 2 minutes or until browned, with the oven door partially open.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have pinto beans, kidney or navy beans work well too. For a vegetarian version, use meatless crumbles and vegetable broth instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider serving it with a side of creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a complete spread, you could also offer some Jimmy Deans sausage links as a protein boost. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Beans contains roughly 724 calories, with 21g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the biscuits before cooking to ensure they remain fresh and fluffy. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of buttermilk biscuits?
If you don't have buttermilk biscuits, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a different texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the type of dough used.
Can I freeze skillet beans?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked skillet beans without the biscuits. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh biscuits during reheating for best results.
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).