Welcome to TastyKitchen, where we believe that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated! If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor, our Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Ham is your new go-to. This one-pan wonder combines the savory richness of ground beef with the smoky, salty kick of ham, all brought together with vibrant vegetables and a touch of seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can whip it up in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Ham Skillet
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a TastyKitchen favorite:
- One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and ham are affordable ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it as is, over rice, or even wrapped in a tortilla for a fun twist.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of familiar ingredients makes this a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is foolproof and forgiving. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast or Sunday dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Ham, gather the following ingredients. Don’t worry if you need to swap something out— we’ll share substitution tips later!
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for a good balance of flavor and juiciness)
- 1 cup diced ham (pre-cooked, such as leftover holiday ham or store-bought cubes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste for spice lovers)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional sides: Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or warm tortillas
This recipe serves 4–6 people, depending on portion size. Feel free to double it for a larger crowd or meal prep for the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering skillet meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and have your ham diced and ready. If you’re using frozen corn, no need to thaw it—it’ll cook perfectly in the skillet. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired, but leaving a little adds flavor!
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!
Step 4: Incorporate the Ham and Seasonings
Add the diced ham, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies in the spices. The ham brings a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Corn
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and add the frozen corn. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Optional Cheese and Garnish
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the skillet and cover for 1–2 minutes until it melts into gooey perfection. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the skillet mixture into bowls or serve over your favorite side, like rice or mashed potatoes. For a fun twist, scoop it into tortillas for a taco-inspired meal. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors!
Tips and Substitutions
At TastyKitchen, we know every kitchen is unique, so here are some tips to make this recipe your own:
- No ham? No problem! Swap it for cooked bacon, sausage, or even smoked turkey for a different smoky vibe.
- Vegetable variations: Try zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for a fiery kick.
- Make it low-carb: Skip the corn and serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
If you’re using leaner ground beef (like 90/10), you may want to add a splash of beef broth or extra olive oil to keep the dish moist.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this skillet lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef provides a hearty base, while the ham adds a smoky, salty contrast. The vegetables bring freshness and crunch, and the spices tie everything together with warmth and depth. The diced tomatoes create a light, tangy sauce that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Plus, the optional cheese adds a creamy indulgence that makes every bite irresistible.
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving. If you overcook the beef a bit or add extra veggies, it’ll still taste amazing. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl— comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- With grains: Serve over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or farro for a filling meal.
- With bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the juices.
- As a taco filling: Spoon into soft or hard taco shells and top with sour cream and avocado.
- With a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
For a cozy family dinner, set out a big skillet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. It’s a great way to bring everyone together!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.
The flavors often deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delicious as the first bite!
A TastyKitchen Favorite
At TastyKitchen, we’re all about creating meals that bring joy to your table without breaking the bank or your schedule. This Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Ham is a testament to that philosophy. It’s quick, versatile, and bursting with flavor— everything a great home-cooked meal should be. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered.
We’d love to hear how you make this dish your own! Try it out, share your twists, and let us know your favorite way to enjoy this skillet. Happy cooking, and welcome to the TastyKitchen family!
Author: TastyKitchen Team
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keywords: ground beef, ham, skillet meal, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, family-friendly, budget-friendly, easy recipe