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Easy Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet (30-Minutes)

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Easy Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet (30-Minutes)

Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add veggies & garlic – Stir in onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  3. Incorporate quinoa & liquids – Add the rinsed quinoa, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  4. 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.
  5. Top & serve – Stir in shredded cheese (if using), garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet close up

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.

Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet

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!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 400 kcal

  • 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

  • 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.

Keyword Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet

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