Ground Beef Skillet with Corn

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring ground beef and sweet corn.

Keira Thompson

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2025-12-25T15:43:08.261Z

This Ground Beef Skillet with Corn is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that your family will love. The combination of savory beef and sweet corn makes it a comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
  • One-pan dish for easy cleanup
  • Savory and slightly sweet flavor combination
  • Great for meal prep or family dinners

A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

This Ground Beef Skillet with Corn is not only a quick meal option but also a fantastic way to bring the family together around the dinner table. The combination of savory ground beef and sweet corn creates a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, with just one pan involved, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal preparation and straightforward cooking steps, even novice cooks can whip up this dish in no time. The ingredients are easily accessible, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious without a lot of fuss.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a meal that holds up well for leftovers, this skillet dish is an excellent choice. It can be easily portioned out for lunches throughout the week, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal even on your busiest days. Just reheat in the microwave, and you have a nutritious meal ready to go.

To make it even more versatile, consider adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mix. You can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that it never gets boring. Whether you want to spice it up with jalapeños or add extra nutrition with spinach, the options are endless.

Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dish, consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. These simple additions can enhance the flavors and add a burst of freshness to each bite. You might also want to serve it alongside rice or tortillas for a more filling meal.

This Ground Beef Skillet pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, making it a complete and balanced dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that can fit into various dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for something light or hearty.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and enjoy your meal!

Instructions

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Mix in Corn and Spices

Add the drained corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious skillet meal!

Storage Tips

To store any leftovers, let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure it's warmed through to maintain the best flavor and texture.

If you’re planning to freeze this meal, portion it out into individual servings before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy a quick and convenient meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. This recipe is adaptable, and you can easily change the protein based on your dietary needs or preferences. For a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or lentils as a substitute for the meat.

In addition to changing the protein, experiment with different spices. Adding smoked paprika or taco seasoning can give the dish an exciting twist, while fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a unique flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to add diced zucchini, carrots, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your spices are gluten-free, this dish is safe for gluten-free diets.

Ground Beef Skillet with Corn

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring ground beef and sweet corn.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Keira Thompson

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Skillet

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
  3. 1 medium onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 bell pepper, chopped
  6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  7. 1 teaspoon cumin
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  10. Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 02

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 03

Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Add the drained corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g