Easy and Delicious Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner

Byarlo Jack
Easy and Delicious Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner

Ground beef is a versatile, budget-friendly protein that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners. From comforting casseroles to spicy tacos, it can be transformed into countless flavorful dishes. With the right seasonings and sides, ground beef can become the star of any meal.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Recipes

Ground beef cooks quickly and pairs well with a wide range of flavors from Italian herbs to bold Mexican spices. It’s satisfying, hearty, and easy to customize, making it ideal for families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a filling dinner.

Nutritional Info (per 100g of cooked 80% lean ground beef)

  • Calories: 254 kcal
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Iron: 2.7 mg
  • Vitamin B12: 2.5 mcg

Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and essential B vitamins, helping to fuel your body and keep you full.

Time Taken

  • Preparation: 10–15 minutes
  • Cooking: 15–30 minutes
  • Total: 25–45 minutes, depending on the recipe

Popular Ground Beef Dinner Recipes

1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooked spaghetti

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
  4. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

2. Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Tortillas or taco shells
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Cook beef in a skillet until browned.
  2. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Serve in tortillas with toppings.

3. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

  1. Cook beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté vegetables with garlic and ginger.
  3. Return beef to the pan, add soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir until combined.

4. Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook beef and onion until browned.
  2. Stir in vegetables and tomato paste. Season.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes.
  4. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Grated cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
  2. Mix beef, rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
  3. Stuff peppers with the mixture, top with cheese.
  4. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.

You Must Know

  • Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for best flavor and less grease.
  • Avoid overcooking to keep meat tender.
  • Ground beef absorbs seasonings quickly—marinate or spice it well.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Cooked ground beef can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked or raw ground beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for lower carbs.
  • Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce for gluten-free stir-fry.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread and a green salad.
  • Serve tacos with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole.
  • Enjoy stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
  • Add a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes with shepherd’s pie.

Pro Tips

  • Brown meat in batches to avoid steaming and get better flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve aroma.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for even cooking.

Conclusion

Ground beef is one of the most versatile proteins for dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create hearty, flavorful meals that satisfy the whole family. From classic Italian pasta to creative stir-fries, there’s a ground beef recipe for every taste and occasion.