Dinner with Ground Beef: 5 Delicious and Easy Recipes
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that's perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you're craving a hearty casserole, a flavorful pasta dish, or something lighter, ground beef can be the star of the show. This post explores five delicious and easy ground beef recipes that are sure to become family favorites. We'll cover everything from preparation tips to serving suggestions, ensuring you have a fantastic dinner experience every time.
1. One-Pan Cheesy Taco Skillet
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's easy, quick, and delicious, requiring minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan method.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped onions
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a diced bell pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the ground beef.
2. Hearty Shepherd's Pie
A classic comfort food, Shepherd's Pie is both satisfying and warming. This recipe offers a healthier twist using ground beef and plenty of vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Pro Tip: Use leftover roasted vegetables for an even more flavorful Shepherd's Pie.
3. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A timeless favorite, this spaghetti recipe is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Serve the spaghetti with the meat sauce.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These vibrant and healthy stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the bell pepper halves.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Pro Tip: Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
5. Ground Beef and Potato Hash
This simple yet flavorful hash is a great way to use up leftover potatoes and ground beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Add some chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
These five recipes demonstrate the incredible versatility of ground beef. Experiment with different spices and vegetables to create your own unique variations. Enjoy your delicious and easy ground beef dinners!