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Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Skillet - A Cozy, One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Set a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. When it shimmers or melts, add the diced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, spoon off most, leaving a tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  5. Tomato base: Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring to coat the beef and deepen the flavor.
  6. Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Add greens (optional): Fold in chopped spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
  9. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over cooked pasta or rice, or spoon into bowls with crusty bread. Top with extra Parmesan if you like.