Ground Beef & Fresh Tomato Skillet with Basil
Ingredients
- 1 poundground beef
- 1yellow onion
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 1½ poundsfresh tomatoes
- ¼ cupfresh basil
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Dice 1 yellow onion.
- 02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 03
Dice 1.5 pounds fresh tomatoes (or use one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes).
- 04
Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, 5–7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed, then transfer beef to a plate.
- 02
Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 03
Add diced tomatoes with their juices (or if using fresh, add them and any accumulated liquid). Stir in cooked beef. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down slightly and flavors meld.
- 04
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Serve as-is, over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Spice Tips
For warmth, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth without heaviness. Fresh oregano or parsley work well alongside or instead of basil.
Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the freshest flavor. In winter, high-quality canned diced tomatoes work beautifully and are often sweeter. For extra brightness, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.