Quick Ground Beef Recipes. Classic Beef Tacos. Spaghetti Bolognese. Beef Quesadillas. Beef Tostadas. Simple Shepherd’s Pie for Busy Evenings. Hearty Beef and Bean Chili in 30 Minutes.
Using ground beef in cooking is easy and a good idea for several reasons. Ground beef cooks quickly compared to other cuts of meat, making it perfect for fast weeknight dinners. Browning ground beef typically takes just a few minutes.
Ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from tacos and spaghetti bolognese to burgers and casseroles. This adaptability allows for creativity in the kitchen and the ability to suit various cuisines.
It is also readily available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, making it a convenient choice for meal planning. It’s also often available in different fat percentages, allowing for healthier choices if desired.
Compared to many other cuts of meat, ground beef is generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
Ground beef is straightforward to prepare. It can be browned in a skillet with minimal seasoning or incorporated into complex dishes with ease. This simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
More importantly, ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals. Including it in your diet can help meet nutritional needs (great for meal prep too!), especially when paired with vegetables and whole grains.
Quick Ground Beef Recipes
Classic Beef Tacos
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Add 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, and simmer until thickened. Serve in taco shells with shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer for 20 minutes, then serve over cooked spaghetti.
Stuffed Bell Peppers (Quick Ground Beef Recipes)
Cook 1 cup rice. Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix beef, rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Stuff mixture into halved bell peppers and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Beef and Bean Chili
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1 can kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Simmer for 30 minutes and serve.
Beef Stroganoff
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Stir in 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup sour cream. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve over egg noodles.
Beef Quesadillas (Quick Ground Beef Recipes)
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 tsp taco seasoning. Spread beef mixture on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and top with another tortilla. Cook in a skillet until golden brown on both sides, then cut into wedges.
Shepherd’s Pie
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 cup mixed vegetables. Spread in a baking dish, top with 2 cups mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Cook 1 cup rice. Mix rice with 1 lb browned ground beef and 1 diced onion. Roll mixture in blanched cabbage leaves, place in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Beef Tostadas
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Spread refried beans on tostada shells, and top with beef mixture, shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Beef Sloppy Joes
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion. Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns.
Beef and Potato Skillet
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 2 diced potatoes. Add 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1 tsp paprika, and simmer until potatoes are tender. Top with shredded cheese and crispy bacon and cover until melted.
Asian Beef Bowls (Quick Ground Beef Recipes)
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve over rice with sliced green onions.
Beef Enchiladas
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion. Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll up, and place in a baking dish. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 minced garlic clove. Add 2 cups mixed vegetables, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 tbsp hoisin sauce. Stir-fry until veggies are tender and serve over rice.
Beef Nachos (Quick Ground Beef Recipes)
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with beef mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese melts, then top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream.