Easy Beef Recipes
Discover easy beef recipes perfect for quick dinners! Enjoy flavorful, simple meals with ground beef in just minutes. Delicious, fast, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The star of the show! Depending on the recipe you can use regular, lean, or extra-lean ground beef. For a more flavorful dish, opt for an 80/20 mix (80% lean beef and 20% fat) to get a juicy, tender result. If you’re looking for a lighter option, go for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7).
- Onions: A must-have for adding depth and sweetness to your beef dishes. Yellow onions work well in most recipes but red onions can add a bit more bite, especially in tacos or salads.
- Garlic: A few cloves of fresh garlic will elevate your ground beef dishes with that irresistible aroma and savory flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a backup if you’re out of fresh garlic but nothing beats the real thing!
- Tomato Sauce or Paste: Adds richness and a slightly tangy flavor to your dishes. If you’re making a sauce or casserole tomato paste helps thicken it up and intensifies the flavor, while tomato sauce is great for lighter dishes like tacos or chili.
- Seasonings: This is where the magic happens! Keep your pantry stocked with staple seasonings like:
- Taco Seasoning: For easy Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to your beef.
- Cumin: Essential for a warm earthy note.
- Chili Powder: Perfect for adding heat and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these basics to bring out the flavors of your beef!
- Bell Peppers: Add a bit of color crunch, and sweetness to your dish. Red, yellow, or green bell peppers all work well, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Cheese Optional: A sprinkle of shredded cheese can add a creamy texture and extra flavor to your ground beef dishes. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses are fantastic options, especially for tacos or baked casseroles.
- Tortillas or Bread: For wrapping up your ground beef into tacos burritos, or sandwiches, soft tortillas or fresh bread rolls are essential. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative!
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami flavor in your beef.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil for sautéing helps your beef cook evenly and adds a light richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro can add a pop of freshness to your dish when sprinkled on top.
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Start by dicing your onions and garlic. If you're using bell peppers, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Gather all your seasonings so they’re ready to go—having everything prepared beforehand makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the beef into small pieces. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. The goal here is to get the beef browned and crispy on the edges—this adds flavor and texture. Depending on your beef’s fat content, you may need to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
Add the Aromatics
- Once the beef is fully cooked, add your diced onions and garlic to the pan. Stir them in and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step really brings out the savory base flavors for your dish.
Season the Beef
- Now it’s time to add those key seasonings! Sprinkle in your taco seasoning, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the beef and veggies are evenly coated with the spices. If you're cooking a Mexican-inspired dish, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes for extra heat. For a milder flavor, keep it simple with just the basics.
Simmer and Add Liquids
- For dishes like chili, sloppy joes, or beef casserole, you’ll want to add a bit of liquid to the pan to create a sauce. Pour in your tomato sauce or a little bit of water (about ½ cup should do). Stir well to combine, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let everything cook together for 5-10 minutes so the flavors can meld. This also allows the beef to absorb the spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful filling.
Taste and Adjust
- Before serving, taste the beef mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit more heat, add extra chili powder or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a richer flavor, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can be a game-changer.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once your ground beef is fully cooked and bursting with flavor, it’s time to serve! Whether you’re filling soft tortillas, layering it over rice, or spooning it into a hearty casserole, the possibilities are endless. Add a little cheese, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime to elevate the dish even further.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g