Description
A quick, savory, and slightly sweet one-pan dinner featuring ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and mixed vegetables in a rich soy-based sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers (red and green mix), diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion and peppers, mince garlic, and mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers soften. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking.
- Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir to dissolve sugar and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the skillet while stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Remove from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if doubling the recipe. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. Ensure cornstarch is mixed with cold water to prevent clumping. Use toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor. Ground beef should be patted dry if too wet to ensure proper browning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving over rice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: ground beef skillet, one pan dinner, quick family dinner, easy weeknight meals, beef and vegetables, 15 minute meals, budget friendly dinner