Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies
Hearty ground beef and frozen vegetable stew simmered in tomato-basil sauce—ready in 25 minutes for a wallet-friendly meal after a cheap flight. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high; add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; cook 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook 1 minute to toast herbs.
- Step 4: Pour in 15 oz tomato sauce and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine; bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Budget Traveler's One-Pot Beef and Veggies?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
