Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Step-by-Step
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed quinoa, beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet.
5. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
9. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet
This one-pan Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet is a weeknight winner. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Clean-up is a breeze!
Quick and Easy Meal
Busy weeknights call for easy meals. This skillet dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you don’t have much time to cook.
Healthy and Nutritious
Quinoa is a complete protein and a great source of fiber. Combined with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this skillet provides a balanced and nutritious meal.
Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the vegetables, add different spices, or adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet
Achieving the perfect Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet is all about the details. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the cooking technique, these tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Choosing Your Ground Beef
The type of ground beef you choose can impact the overall flavor and texture of the skillet. Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease and keep the dish healthy.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use ground beef with a higher fat content, but be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
Rinsing the Quinoa
Rinsing quinoa before cooking is essential to remove its natural coating, called saponin. This coating can give the quinoa a bitter taste if not rinsed away. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for a minute or two until the water runs clear.
Mastering the Simmer
The key to perfectly cooked quinoa is to simmer it gently. After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. This will allow the quinoa to cook evenly and absorb the liquid without burning.
Avoid lifting the lid too often during the simmering process, as this can release steam and prolong the cooking time. Check the quinoa after 15 minutes and continue simmering until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet lies in its versatility. It’s a blank canvas that you can adapt to your liking, using different ingredients and flavors to create a variety of delicious meals.
Spicy Southwestern Skillet
For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion and bell pepper. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to cool things down.
Mediterranean-Inspired Skillet
Swap the black beans and corn for diced zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Season with oregano, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Vegetarian Quinoa Skillet
Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or kale. You can also add a can of chickpeas or lentils for added protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet is ready, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy! Here are some suggestions for serving and storing this delicious dish.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is great as a stand-alone meal, but it can also be served as a side dish or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed bell peppers.
Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, or green onions. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a burst of freshness.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
You can also freeze the skillet for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Friendly
This skillet is an excellent option for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch on the weekend and portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
Nutritional Benefits
This Ground Beef and Quinoa Skillet isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.
Protein Powerhouse
Ground beef and quinoa are both excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and promoting satiety. This skillet provides a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Fiber-Rich
Quinoa, black beans, corn, and vegetables are all high in fiber, which aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps lower cholesterol. Fiber also keeps you feeling full and satisfied, which can help with weight management.
Vitamins and Minerals
This skillet is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy production, immune function, and overall health.
Healthy Fats
While ground beef does contain some fat, choosing lean ground beef can help minimize the amount of saturated fat in the dish. You can also add healthy fats by topping the skillet with avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, rinsing the quinoa is important to remove the saponin coating, which can give it a bitter taste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
Quinoa typically takes 15-20 minutes to cook. It is done when it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Can I freeze this skillet?
Yes, this skillet freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
