When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a one-skillet meal like this Beef and Chickpea Skillet — hearty, flavorful, and ready in no time. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, chickpeas, garlic, and tomatoes, creating a dish that feels both satisfying and wholesome.
The first time I made this recipe, I was trying to clean out the pantry before grocery day. I had a can of chickpeas, some ground beef, and not much else. With a few spices, a bit of onion, and a splash of tomato sauce, it turned into something so good that my family asked me to make it again the next night. Now, this quick skillet sits right alongside my Old-Fashioned Southern Meatloaf and Loaded Cornbread Casserole as one of my top “busy night” dinners.
Beef and Chickpea Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Mix in smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste to coat beef evenly.
- Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and let simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with parsley, feta, or lemon before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Beef and Chickpea Skillet
This dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. The beef adds richness, the chickpeas add texture, and the spices make it warm and comforting without being heavy. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or when you want something balanced and filling without a lot of dishes.
If you love quick, flavor-packed recipes like my Cajun Seafood Alfredo or Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, this skillet dinner is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Skillet:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if you like extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled feta or shredded cheese
- Lemon wedges
If you like cozy one-pan meals, you’ll also enjoy my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes — same comfort, different twist.
How to Make Beef and Chickpea Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 3: Stir in Seasonings and Tomato Paste
Mix in smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Pour in diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with parsley, feta, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
If you love hearty dinners with minimal cleanup, this skillet is every bit as easy as my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet
- Brown the beef well: Gives the dish a deep, rich flavor.
- Use canned chickpeas: They’re quick and hold texture beautifully.
- Add heat to taste: Crushed red pepper adds a little kick.
- Finish with lemon: It brightens the whole dish.
These simple steps are the same little tricks that make my Cajun Potato Soup so flavorful every time.
How to Serve
Serve this Beef and Chickpea Skillet as-is for a protein-packed meal, or pair it with:
- Fluffy white rice or couscous
- Warm pita bread
- A crisp side salad
It’s a great choice for meal prep — it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot.
Like my Christmas Bread Recipe, this dish only gets more flavorful after resting overnight.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Use chili powder and top with cheddar and avocado.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for mushrooms or lentils.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
If you love flexible, adaptable meals like this, you’ll enjoy my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter version.
2. Can I use dry chickpeas?
You can, but they need to be cooked beforehand — canned chickpeas save time.
3. What’s the best pan to use?
A cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works best for even cooking.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use a larger pan or cook in batches.
The Final Bite
This Beef and Chickpea Skillet is everything you need in one pan — hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s cozy enough for a family dinner but quick enough for busy weeknights.
Serve it with warm pita or over rice, and you’ll have a meal that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy a dish that deserves a spot next to your Old-Fashioned Southern Meatloaf in your comfort food lineup.