Skillet Beef Ole
Skillet Beef Ole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining lean ground beef with colorful peppers, beans, corn, and olives. Aromatic herbs and spices enhance its rich taste, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that appeals to fans of bold, savory flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup whole pitted olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring to break into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and red pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Gently stir in salt, chili powder, basil, minced garlic, drained kidney beans, and drained corn.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in some of the reserved bean liquid if more moisture is desired.
- Gently stir in the pitted olives and chopped parsley.
- Heat through and serve with a green salad and French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. If you prefer, use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can replace parsley for a vibrant twist. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a side of French bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it in taco shells or over rice for a hearty bowl. Complement with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor.
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 low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Beef Ole contains roughly 736 calories, with 36g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2738mg per serving (119% 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, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 2 months if stored properly.
What can I substitute for olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, chopped pickles can add a different tang that complements the dish well. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors if you omit the olives.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Skillet Beef Ole vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for added protein and texture. Ensure the beans and corn are canned without added meat products, and season well to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
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).