Beefy Tomato Skillet with Fresh Basil & Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1yellow onion
- 1 can (28 oz)canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cupfresh basil
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 garlic cloves.
- 02
Dice 1 yellow onion into small pieces.
- 03
Tear or roughly chop 1/2 cup fresh basil, or set aside whole to tear just before serving.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 02
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 03
Push the beef to the side. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the minced garlic and diced onion over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- 04
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 05
Tear in the fresh basil just before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- 06
Serve over rice, pasta, crusty bread, or with a green salad on the side.
Spice Tips
For extra depth, add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning when you add the tomatoes. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce at the end. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the acidity just before serving.
This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days and freeze beautifully. For a lighter meal, skip the starch and serve over zucchini noodles or sautéed greens.