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Quick 15-Minute Garlic Butter Beef Skillet

Quick 15-Minute Garlic Butter Beef Skillet - featured image

A fast, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring seared ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce with soy sauce. This simple skillet meal is ready in under 15 minutes and delivers crispy edges and savory depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley or fresh chives, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef by breaking it into small, uniform chunks and seasoning generously with black pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until very hot.
  3. Add the ground beef to the hot pan in an even layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to form a crust, then break it up and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and crispy. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt and foam. Once the foam subsides slightly, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until golden and fragrant. Do not let it burn.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine. Let it bubble for 30 seconds to concentrate the flavor.
  6. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the parsley or chives.
  7. Serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if making a large amount to ensure proper searing. Use fresh garlic for best flavor, as jarred garlic can burn easily or taste flat. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate added salt. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef skillet, garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, 15 minute meals