Ground Beef Dinner: A Quick & Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Introduction
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! This ground beef dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It's packed with flavor, highly customizable, and incredibly versatile. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to what you have on hand, but here's a solid starting point:
- 1 lb Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose a lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that savory punch.
- 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and acidity.
- 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Enhances the richness and tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements ground beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil: Another excellent Italian herb for a robust flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional additions: Get creative! Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious ground beef dinner hot. It's fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side salad.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Dinner
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Make sure to drain off excess grease but avoid over-cooking.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add your favorite vegetables: This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to make it even more nutritious and flavorful.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for several days or freeze it for later.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Ground Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Taco Ground Beef: Add taco seasoning and serve in tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Italian Ground Beef: Add Italian sausage to the mix for extra flavor.
This versatile ground beef recipe is a weeknight winner, offering a quick, easy, and satisfying meal for the whole family. Try it today and let us know what you think!
