Looking for a quick, hearty, and healthy dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes?
This Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet is the perfect one-pan solution. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich quinoa, and flavorful spices for a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Let’s dive in and whip up this simple yet delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
- One-pan recipe for easy cleanup
- High in protein and fiber for a balanced meal
- Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free
- Customizable with different veggies and seasonings
- Meal-prep friendly and reheats well
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef – Lean or extra-lean for a healthier option
- Quinoa – A protein-packed grain that cooks right in the skillet
- Diced tomatoes – Adds a rich, slightly tangy base
- Bell peppers & onions – For added flavor and texture
- Garlic & spices – Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder for depth
- Beef broth or water – Helps cook the quinoa and infuse flavor
- Shredded cheese (optional) – For a cheesy finish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley – A bright, fresh garnish
How to Make Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet
- Sauté the ground beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add veggies & garlic – Stir in onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Incorporate quinoa & liquids – Add the rinsed quinoa, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer to perfection – Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Top & serve – Stir in shredded cheese (if using), garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for a kick.
- Swap the protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Add more veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.
- Dairy-free? Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Low-carb? Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Pair with a simple side salad for added greens.
- Wrap it in a tortilla for a burrito-style meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of broth.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles are great alternatives.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Easy Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet (30-Minutes)
This Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, lean ground beef, and savory spices, it's a healthy option that’s also easy to customize.Enjoy this meal fresh or store leftovers for meal prep – either way, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean or extra-lean
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced, any color
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese optional
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the veggies: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add quinoa and spices: Stir in the rinsed quinoa, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese (optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and let it melt.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the dish and serve hot.