Ground Beef and Eggs Skillet: A Perfect One-Pan Meal
Ground beef and eggs are two pantry staples that combine effortlessly to create a hearty, satisfying meal. This versatile dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and customized with your favorite seasonings and ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe along with tips and variations to make this dish your own.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion and dice the bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Gather the spices to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up using a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the ground beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder (if using) over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Make Wells for the Eggs
- Use the back of a spoon to create 4 wells in the beef mixture. Crack one egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny. For firmer yolks, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top.
- If desired, add shredded cheese and allow it to melt before serving.
- Serve the skillet hot, directly from the pan, with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh side salad.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for lean or medium-ground beef to prevent excessive grease in the dish. If using higher-fat beef, drain excess fat after browning.
- Perfect Eggs: Timing is key for achieving perfectly cooked eggs. Keep a close eye while they cook to ensure they are to your liking.
- Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
Variations
- Mediterranean Twist
- Add diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor. Serve with pita bread.
- Mexican-Inspired Version
- Include black beans, corn, and a dash of hot sauce or chipotle seasoning. Top with avocado slices and sour cream.
- Vegetable-Packed
- Boost the nutritional value by incorporating chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Cheesy Goodness
- For a richer dish, stir in 1/2 cup of grated cheese into the beef mixture before adding the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Feast: Pair this dish with hash browns or toast for a filling morning meal.
- Lunch or Dinner: Serve alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Meal Prep: Divide leftovers into containers and reheat for a quick, protein-packed meal.
Why Ground Beef and Eggs Work Together
This combination is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. Ground beef provides protein, iron, and essential vitamins, while eggs add more protein and healthy fats. Together, they create a dish that is both filling and versatile.
This recipe is simple to prepare yet offers endless customization options, making it a fantastic go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for yourself, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress.
