Fast Ground Beef Recipes: Quick & Easy Meals for Busy Weeknights
Are you looking for fast ground beef recipes that are both delicious and easy to make? You've come to the right place! Whether you're short on time or simply craving a comforting, flavorful meal, these recipes will become your new weeknight go-tos. We've focused on minimizing prep time and maximizing flavor, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Speedy Ground Beef Tacos
This recipe is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly versatile and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- Taco shells
- Your favorite taco toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa)
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Fill your taco shells with the seasoned ground beef and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta
This one-pan wonder eliminates the need for multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package pasta (any short shape will work)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Quick Ground Beef and Bean Chili
Perfect for a chilly evening, this chili is surprisingly quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with your favorite chili toppings (sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado).
Tips for Faster Ground Beef Cooking:
- Break up the ground beef: Use a spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef as it cooks to ensure even browning and prevent large clumps.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Pre-chop vegetables: To save time, chop your vegetables ahead of time or use pre-chopped options from the grocery store.
These fast ground beef recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, vegetables, and toppings to create your own unique variations. Enjoy!
