15 Delicious Ground Beef Recipes You Need to Try
Ground beef is a kitchen essential that offers a world of culinary possibilities. Its affordability, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a favorite among home cooks. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or impress guests with a hearty meal, ground beef can be your go-to ingredient. In this article, we’ll dive into 15 incredible recipes that showcase the versatility of ground beef, ranging from comfort food staples to exciting new dishes.
1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup water
– Taco shells or tortillas
– Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat, then mix in taco seasoning and water.
3. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Serve the beef in taco shells or tortillas, and add your preferred toppings.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, warm your taco shells in the oven before serving.
2. Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a large skillet until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, season with salt and pepper, and serve over cooked spaghetti with Parmesan.
Pro Tip: A splash of cream can add a rich depth to your Bolognese sauce.
3. Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cans kidney beans, drained
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 packet chili seasoning
– 1 cup beef broth
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onions.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, chili seasoning, and beef broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Pro Tip: For added texture, sprinkle crumbled cornbread on top.
4. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup water
– 8 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese
– Optional: salsa, sour cream, guacamole for dipping
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef until browned, then add taco seasoning and water, simmering for 5 minutes.
2. In a separate skillet, layer a tortilla with cheese, beef, and more cheese. Top with another tortilla.
3. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve with dipping sauces.
Pro Tip: Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick.
5. Traditional Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 4 cups mashed potatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onion, then stir in mixed vegetables, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with cheese if desired.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes with a touch of butter and cream.
6. Italian-Style Beef Meatballs
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then serve with marinara sauce.
Pro Tip: Pair these meatballs with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a fiery kick.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef and Rice
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef and onion, then stir in rice and diced tomatoes.
3. Stuff peppers with beef mixture, place in a baking dish, and top with cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Pro Tip: Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture.
8. Quick Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then remove and set aside.
2. Stir-fry onion and vegetables until tender, then return beef to the skillet.
3. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to coat.
4. Serve over cooked rice.
Pro Tip: Cook on high heat to keep the vegetables crisp and flavorful.
9. Savory Beef Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef and onion until browned.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Serve on hamburger buns.
Pro Tip: Toast your buns to keep them from getting soggy and add a slice of cheese for extra flavor.
10. Layered Beef Lasagna
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 jar marinara sauce
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce.
3. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
4. Layer noodles, beef mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to make serving easier.
11. Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can enchilada sauce
– 8 corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese
– Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown ground beef and onion, then fill tortillas with the mixture and roll up.
3. Place tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish, pour enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Enhance the sauce with chili powder, cumin, and garlic for extra flavor.
12. Crunchy Beef Tostadas
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup water
– 8 tostada shells
– Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef, then add taco seasoning and water, simmering for 5 minutes.
2. Spread beef mixture onto tostada shells.
3. Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Add a base layer of refried beans to the tostada for added richness.
13. Beef and Bean Burritos
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can black beans, drained
-**Ingredients (Continued)**:
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 onion, chopped
– 8 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.
2. Stir in black beans and cooked rice.
3. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and shredded cheese, then roll them up.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each burrito for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Pro Tip: To make freezer-friendly burritos, wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes.
14. Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups cooked egg noodles
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– Optional: crushed potato chips for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
3. Add cooked egg noodles and mix well.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with crushed potato chips if desired.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tip: For a crunchy topping, try using French fried onions or panko breadcrumbs. For a spicy twist, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes.
15. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet.
2. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well.
3. Gradually add beef broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
4. Reduce heat and stir in sour cream, cooking until the mixture is heated through.
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Conclusion
Ground beef is a true kitchen hero, offering endless possibilities for quick and delicious meals. These 15 recipes highlight just how versatile this ingredient can be, whether you’re in the mood for something simple like tacos or a more elaborate dish like lasagna. So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, try one of these recipes—you’re sure to find a new favorite.
FAQs
1. How do I store leftover ground beef dishes?
Store leftover ground beef dishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
2. Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in most recipes. Keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor and less fat, which may slightly alter the taste and texture.
3. What’s the best way to freeze ground beef?
To freeze ground beef, place it in a resealable plastic bag, flatten it out to remove as much air as possible, and freeze. It will keep for up to 3 months.
4. How can I make ground beef healthier?
Choose lean or extra-lean ground beef, and be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking. You can also bulk up dishes with vegetables or whole grains to make them more nutritious.
5. What are some easy ground beef recipes for beginners?
Simple ground beef recipes perfect for beginners include classic ground beef tacos, beef and cheese quesadillas, and sloppy joes. These dishes are quick to prepare and require minimal cooking skills.