Easy Ground Beef Quinoa Skillet (30-Minutes)

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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 upGround 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 SkilletGround 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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