Tennessee Beef Skillet
A hearty, flavorful skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, beans, rice, and spices, topped with cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, fry the ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, rice, water, chopped green pepper, chili powder, and garlic salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over corn chips and top with shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for beef. You can also swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans, depending on your preference. If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to check the cooking time for the rice if using a different variety, as some may require longer cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tennessee Beef Skillet over a generous layer of corn chips for a delightful crunch. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with cornbread or a slice of crusty bread. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top just before serving, which pairs beautifully with Easy Pizza Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Beef Skillet contains roughly 891 calories, with 42g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or using a combination of lentils and mushrooms for texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed and consider using vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more spice to the Tennessee Beef Skillet, consider adding more chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. This way, everyone can customize their heat level!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just reheat it in a skillet while you prepare the corn chips. This makes it a convenient dish for busy weeknights or meal prep. It's also a great option for potlucks!
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).