ground beef beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
ground beef beans recipe
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The Best ground beef beans recipe

I’ve been making this ground beef and beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic American comfort food, and its origins date back to the Great Depression when families needed to make meals stretch further. This recipe is a staple in many households, and I’m happy to share it with you.

The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and it’s a great way to teach them about meal planning and cooking techniques. The key to this recipe is browning the ground beef properly.

You want to get it nice and browned so that it develops a rich flavor. Then you add the beans, tomato paste, and spices, and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s very versatile. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, over rice, or even as a filling for tacos. It’s also very healthy, as long as you use lean ground beef and avoid adding too much salt.

I like to serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to make it feel more like a complete meal. My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and always satisfies our appetites. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients like beans or canned tomatoes.

I’ve made this recipe so many times that I’ve lost count, but I still enjoy making it every time.

Ground Beef and Beans Skillet

Ground Beef and Beans Skillet

4.7 from 1990 votes

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef and tender beans in a savory tomato sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
4Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
5Drain any excess fat if desired.
6Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
7Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
8Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce.
9Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
10Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
11Add the drained kidney beans and black beans to the skillet.
12Stir to incorporate, then reduce the heat to low.
13Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the beans are heated through.
14Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
15Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes.
16Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno with the garlic. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Ground Beef and Beans Skillet Works

This ground beef and beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something more substantial for a special gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and reheats well for leftovers.

For storage, simply let the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it in an airtight container.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Beans Skillet

Q: What type of beans should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either kidney beans or pinto beans in this recipe. Kidney beans have a slightly sweeter flavor, while pinto beans have a more neutral taste. Both work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I use frozen ground beef instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef in place of fresh if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw it first before cooking.

Q: How long does this recipe take to cook?

A: This recipe cooks relatively quickly – about 30 minutes from start to finish – depending on how long you let it simmer at the end.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomato paste?

A: You can omit the tomato paste if you don’t have any on hand or if you prefer not to use it.

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