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Say goodbye to complicated weeknight dinners! This Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet brings a burst of unique Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen in record time. It’s an incredibly easy one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef with tender, pre-made dolmas and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks, this skillet meal promises a delicious and satisfying experience without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet
You’ll adore this delicious skillet meal for so many reasons, making it an instant family favorite:
- Super Quick: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this flavorful and unique meal.
- Delicious & Satisfying: The combination of savory beef, tender dolmas, and tangy tomatoes is incredibly comforting.
- One-Pan Convenience: Enjoy minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet or Dutch oven.
- Unique Flavors: Experience the delightful taste of Mediterranean cuisine with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet tonight:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean): This provides a good balance of flavor without too much grease.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out its flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and aroma.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The base for our rich and tangy sauce.
- 2 (9.86-ounce) cans dolmas (about 20 dolmas), drained of excess liquid: These pre-made grape leaves filled with rice are the star of the dish.
- Plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional): A cooling and creamy garnish that complements the flavors beautifully.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet to fit your preferences. You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, lamb, or even a plant-based crumble for a different twist. Instead of plain diced tomatoes, try fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth, or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. For an extra layer of freshness, stir in chopped fresh parsley or mint at the end of cooking. If you want to make it a more substantial meal, consider serving it over fluffy white rice or adding cooked rice directly to the skillet with the tomatoes.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this quick and easy Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the beef and simmering the entire dish.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring ingredients.
- Tongs: Very helpful for gently nestling the delicate dolmas into the sauce.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately adding salt and pepper to the dish.
Instructions
Whip up your Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet in just a few straightforward steps. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Begin by preheating a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, season the beef generously with the salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly. If your beef has rendered a lot of fat, you can carefully drain the excess liquid from the skillet at this point for a lighter dish.
Next, pour the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Stir everything together gently. Now, using tongs, carefully nestle the drained dolmas into the tomato-beef mixture. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a brisk simmer.
Allow the Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. During this time, the dolmas will heat through completely, and the sauce will reduce slightly, concentrating its flavors. Avoid stirring too vigorously once the dolmas are in to prevent them from breaking apart. Once heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your vibrant Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet hot, with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top, if desired. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet is easy with a few simple tricks. For perfectly browned beef, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the meat; don’t overcrowd the pan, and resist stirring constantly. This allows the beef to develop a nice crust. Always taste and adjust your seasoning as you go; a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. To prevent dolmas from breaking, handle them gently with tongs when adding them to the skillet and avoid vigorous stirring during simmering. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes; if it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. For even quicker prep on busy nights, you can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate it further. Serve it warm with a side of creamy Greek yogurt, warm pita bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a bed of fluffy rice or couscous.
Store any leftover skillet meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet is freezer-friendly! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Get creative with variations! Add chopped fresh spinach or diced bell peppers along with the tomatoes for extra veggies. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of dried oregano, cumin, or a touch of smoked paprika to enhance the Mediterranean flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving brightens the entire dish, offering a zesty finish to your personalized skillet.
Nutrition
This Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet offers a balanced and satisfying meal, packed with beneficial nutrients. The ground beef provides a significant source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The canned dolmas and diced tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While specific values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, this dish generally offers a wholesome nutritional profile.
Learn more about the rich history and cultural significance of dolma, a dish with Ottoman origins.
Disclaimer: All nutritional information is an estimate based on average product values. Individual results may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Carbs | ~20g |
FAQ
Can I use fresh dolmas for this recipe?
This recipe relies on canned, pre-cooked dolmas for speed and convenience. Using fresh dolmas would require a different cooking method and significantly longer preparation time.
How can I adjust the spice level of the Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet?
This recipe is mildly seasoned. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the beef for a touch of heat, or increase the black pepper to taste.
Is this Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
What makes the sauce thicker in this dish?
The sauce naturally thickens as it simmers uncovered, allowing the excess liquid from the tomatoes to evaporate. Using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content can also contribute to a richer sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground crumble. Ensure your dolmas are vegetarian-friendly as well.
Conclusion
You now have a fantastic, easy-to-follow recipe for a flavorful Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet that’s perfect for any night of the week. This unique Mediterranean-inspired dish proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We hope you enjoy the simplicity and rich flavors it brings to your table. Give this amazing skillet a try and experience how easy it is to create something truly special. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience and leave us a comment!
Easy Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 9.86-ounce cans dolmas (about 20 dolmas), drained
- to taste plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season the browned beef with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the beef.
- Use tongs to carefully nestle the drained dolmas into the tomato-beef mixture in a single layer, partially submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until dolmas are heated and sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with Greek yogurt if desired.
