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–+ servings

Savory Skillet Ground Beef with Caramelized Onions & Garlic Herb Butter

Elenor Craig
This comforting skillet ground beef recipe is a modern ode to classic flavors from rustic American kitchens. With rich caramelized onions, garlic herb butter, and a seared crust on the beef, it's a deeply satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 422 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) preferably grass-fed
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced fresh and firm
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced freshly minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for garlic herb butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ tsp kosher salt or more to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
  • Add sliced onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. If they begin burning, reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Push onions to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, flatten slightly with a spatula, and let sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to form a crust.
  • Break up beef and mix with the onions. Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until beef is fully browned and aromatic.
  • Add butter and stir until melted and infused with the beef. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Spoon into shallow bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a leaner version, use a 90/10 ground beef mix and supplement fat with more olive oil and onions.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while browning for a deeper umami kick.
  • Top with grated Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles for richness.

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 371mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 355IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3mg
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