Southern Ground Beef and Bean Skillet Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This flavorful and hearty skillet dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and a perfect balance of seasonings. Its simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Here's how you can prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• cup medium salsa (such as Pace)
• tablespoon Greek seasoning (such as Cavender's)
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can Southwestern-style beans, undrained (such as Ranch Style)

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook and stir the beef for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crumbly.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in the salsa, Greek seasoning, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Add the can of Southwestern-style beans, undrained, to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the beans into the mixture.

Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.

Step 8: Once the dish is thickened to your liking, remove from heat and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 327
• Total Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (27% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 952mg (41% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g (8% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (26% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 26g (52% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 34mg (37% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 62mg (5% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 422mg (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

History of Origin

The Southern Ground Beef and Bean Skillet is a dish that highlights the hearty, comforting flavors of the American South. It combines the classic staples of ground beef, beans, and vegetables, which are common in Southern cooking. The Southern United States is known for its rustic, home-style meals, often made in one-pot dishes that are easy to prepare and share among family and friends. This dish, in particular, likely emerged as a quick and satisfying solution for busy farm families looking for something filling and nutritious. Ground beef and beans are inexpensive and accessible, making this skillet dish a practical yet flavorful choice. The addition of salsa and Greek seasoning adds a unique twist, showcasing how Southern cuisine often adapts to various influences over time.

Regional Variations

Though Southern Ground Beef and Bean Skillet is a popular dish in the American South, it can also be found in other regions of the United States with slight variations. In the Southwest, for example, black beans or pinto beans may be used instead of the Southwestern-style beans often found in Southern versions. The seasoning might also change, with some opting for chili powder or a more intense combination of cumin and paprika. Additionally, the dish may vary in its accompaniments, with some people serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cornbread. In Louisiana, you might find a similar skillet recipe seasoned with Creole or Cajun spices, offering a deeper, spicier flavor profile.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

Southern Ground Beef and Bean Skillet stands apart from similar dishes like chili or beef stew due to its simplicity and versatility. While chili often has a more liquid base and is served as a soup, this dish is thicker and heartier, more akin to a savory stir-fry. Unlike traditional chili, which usually features tomato-based sauce, this skillet uses salsa, giving it a fresh, slightly tangy flavor. The Greek seasoning, which is less commonly used in Southern chili or stew recipes, imparts a unique herby, savory depth to the dish, distinguishing it from other bean-based beef dishes. It also typically uses a variety of beans that aren't always found in chili recipes, adding extra texture and flavor.

Where It Is Usually Served

The Southern Ground Beef and Bean Skillet is a popular choice for family dinners, especially when time is limited. Its simplicity makes it an excellent dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It is often served as a standalone meal or paired with side dishes such as cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. Given its filling nature, it's a great option for large gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues. In Southern households, it's often enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice, allowing for a satisfying and substantial meal. The dish is also commonly served in diners and casual eateries that specialize in comfort food, where it is made in large batches to serve many customers at once.

Interesting Facts

• This dish is a great example of how the Southern culinary tradition has adapted over time, incorporating new flavors like Greek seasoning into traditional Southern comfort food.
• The addition of salsa is a nod to the Tex-Mex influence that has made its way into Southern cooking, especially in regions like Texas and New Mexico.
• Despite being simple, this skillet meal is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious and balanced option for any family meal.
• The dishs use of Southwestern-style beans is another element that reflects the fusion of Southern and Southwestern American cuisines, offering a unique twist to the classic ground beef and bean combinations.
• Many variations of this dish exist, and it can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles, making it a versatile meal for a variety of dietary preferences.

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