Ground Beef Skillet Smoky

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful ground beef skillet smoky that brings together the richness of beef with a delightful smoky flavor.

Ella Townsend

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2025-12-25T15:07:09.596Z

This Ground Beef Skillet Smoky is a quick and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky flavor elevates the dish, making it a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich smoky flavor that enhances the ground beef
  • Quick and easy to prepare in one skillet
  • Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner

A Hearty Meal in One Skillet

This Ground Beef Skillet Smoky is the epitome of a one-pan meal, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup, you can focus more on enjoying a delicious dinner rather than spending time washing dishes. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it also delivers on flavor. The smoky paprika adds depth to the dish, enhancing the natural richness of the beef. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly straightforward.

Customizable for Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef Skillet Smoky is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds different textures and colors to the dish, making it even more appealing.

If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Cooking is all about personal preference, and this recipe allows you to adjust the flavors to suit your palate. Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs to create your own unique version!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Ground Beef Skillet Smoky also shines as a meal prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Simply make a larger batch, divide it into individual servings, and you'll have a quick and nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Meal prepping this dish not only saves time but ensures you have a delicious, homemade option available on those busy days.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Ground Beef Skillet Smoky.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Add Seasonings

Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Incorporate Tomatoes

Add the diced tomatoes, including their juices, to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your flavorful Ground Beef Skillet Smoky!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Ground Beef Skillet Smoky, storing them is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal planning.

For longer storage, consider freezing it. Portion the skillet smoky into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Pairing Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious smoky sauce. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls also complements the flavors beautifully.

For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh green salad topped with your favorite vinaigrette. The crunch and freshness of the salad will contrast nicely with the richness of the skillet smoky, creating a balanced dining experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

It pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side salad.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Ground Beef Skillet Smoky

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful ground beef skillet smoky that brings together the richness of beef with a delightful smoky flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Ella Townsend

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  5. 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  6. 1 tsp cumin
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. 2 tbsp olive oil
  9. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Step 02

Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 03

Add the diced tomatoes, including their juices, to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 04

Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g