There’s something comforting about hearing that first sizzle of beef hitting a hot skillet. It’s quick, hearty, and full of promise for a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. My Lean Beef and Veggie Skillet is one of those dinners that makes healthy eating feel indulgent it’s loaded with vibrant vegetables, tender beef, and a light, savory sauce that ties it all together beautifully.

This one-pan wonder is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling but don’t want a pile of dishes. It’s part of my go-to rotation along with meals like my high protein chicken and quinoa power bowl, which has the same fresh and balanced energy that keeps you satisfied all day.
What Makes This Dish a Weeknight Hero
What I love about this recipe is how effortlessly it fits into a healthy dinner routine. It’s rich in protein, low in carbs, and full of colorful vegetables that make your plate look as good as it tastes. The beef adds that deep, savory flavor, while the veggies bring in texture, freshness, and nutrients.
This dish is flexible, too you can swap veggies depending on the season or your mood. I sometimes toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, similar to what I do in my turkey and black bean stuffed peppers protein boosted, another flavorful way to sneak in extra vegetables.
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What You’ll Need in the Kitchen
Here’s everything that goes into this simple skillet dinner:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
The balance of protein and vegetables makes this a go-to for meal prep, similar to my salmon and brown rice high protein meal prep.


Lean Beef and Veggie Skillet Protein Packed Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A high-protein, one-pan beef and veggie skillet packed with colorful vegetables and light, savory flavors. Perfect for quick, healthy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 cup snap peas
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Brown the beef in olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Toss in all the vegetables and stir until crisp-tender.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes; stir well.
Garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Great for meal prep; keeps well for 3–4 days.
Swap beef for ground turkey or tofu for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Global Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 75mg

How I Bring It All Together Step by Step
Step 1 – Get the pan sizzling
I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s hot, I add the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2 – Add flavor foundations
When the beef is nearly cooked, I toss in diced onions and minced garlic. They soften quickly and give the dish that delicious, homey aroma that always reminds me of classic comfort food.
Step 3 – Pile on the veggies
Next comes the colorful mix of broccoli, peppers, zucchini, and snap peas. I stir everything together, letting the veggies stay crisp-tender while soaking up all that savory flavor.
Step 4 – Season it right
I pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick. The sauce lightly coats everything, creating a simple yet deeply flavorful glaze.
Step 5 – Finish and serve
After a few minutes, everything comes together beautifully. I remove it from the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve it straight from the skillet.
If you love meals that come together this easily, you’ll definitely want to try my high protein shrimp stir fry with fresh vegetables it’s another vibrant, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ways to Mix It Up
- Make it spicy: Add a bit more chili or a splash of sriracha.
- Asian-inspired: Drizzle a little sesame oil at the end.
- Mediterranean twist: Swap soy sauce for balsamic and add cherry tomatoes.
- Low-carb prep: Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice.
If you’re looking for a creamy yet protein-focused option, my creamy Greek yogurt chicken with spinach adds a lighter, tangy twist to your weeknight menu.
Why This Skillet Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
It’s fast, flavorful, and full of nutrients everything you need for a balanced dinner that doesn’t feel like “diet food.” This skillet is hearty enough to satisfy cravings but light enough to keep you feeling energized. Whether you’re cooking for one or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dependable dish that fits every healthy lifestyle.
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