One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, hearty ground beef skillet infused with warm Moroccan spices and tender chickpeas, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired meal prep ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned chickpeas and 1 cup crushed tomatoes along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and chickpeas.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas 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 One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas?

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 One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas?

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 One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas 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 One-Pan Moroccan-Spiced Ground Beef with Chickpeas?

Mediterranean meal prep 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.

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