Tomato Basil Beef Skillet
This classic skillet dish is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tender grass-fed ground beef is browned to perfection, while the aromatic combination of onion, garlic, and fresh basil adds a vibrant depth. Juicy diced tomatoes and a touch of dried oregano bring a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the beef. Every bite is a burst of savory goodness, making this dish a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend brunch.
The origins of the Tomato Basil Beef Skillet are shrouded in culinary mystery, but legend has it that it was first crafted by an Italian immigrant in the bustling streets of New York City in the early 1900s. The immigrant, yearning for the comforting flavors of his homeland, stumbled upon a serendipitous combination of ingredients that would forever change the American culinary landscape. With a cast-iron skillet as his canvas, he sautéed tender ground beef with fragrant onion and garlic, infusing the air with an irresistible aroma. As the beef browned, he stirred in vibrant diced tomatoes, fresh basil plucked from his windowsill garden, and a pinch of oregano, creating a vibrant sauce that enveloped the meat in a tangy embrace. The aroma wafting from his humble kitchen quickly attracted curious neighbors, who eagerly sampled the delectable dish and spread the word of its extraordinary taste far and wide.
Tomato Basil Beef Skillet Tomato Basil Beef Skillet Tomato Basil Beef Skillet Tomato Basil Beef Skillet
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound grass-fed ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Serve hot and garnish with additional fresh basil.
Why It Works
  • The combination of ground beef, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes creates a classic flavor profile that is both familiar and comforting.
  • The addition of fresh basil and dried oregano adds a vibrant herbaceousness that takes the dish to the next level.
  • Cooking the ground beef until browned develops a rich Maillard reaction, creating deep umami flavors.
  • Simmering the sauce for 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.