Hey there, fellow home cooks! Let’s talk about ground beef recipes! Ground beef is a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it is in yours too. It’s so versatile and budget-friendly, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or hearty weekend meals. I’m excited to share some of my family’s favorite ground beef recipes with you – from classic comfort food to some fun twists. Get ready to discover some new go-to dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why Ground Beef is a Weeknight Hero
Ground beef cooks up fast, freezes well, and can be transformed into a million different dishes. What’s not to love? Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Classic Ground Beef Recipes
Let’s start with some tried-and-true recipes that everyone loves. These are the ground beef recipes I turn to when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From comforting meatloaf to quick sloppy joes, these are family favorites!
Mom’s Best Meatloaf
My mom’s meatloaf recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s moist, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. I’ll share her secret ingredient for that extra bit of yum – a touch of brown sugar!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (secret ingredient!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well with your hands.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until cooked through.
Baking Tips: To keep the meatloaf moist, add a little water to the bottom of the baking dish. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Quick, easy, and always a hit with the kids (and my husband!), Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy weeknights. They are a fast way to get a delicious ground beef dinner on the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of chips and coleslaw for a complete meal. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, consider using it in a different meal to maximize its use. More on maximizing cooked rotisserie chicken here.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Family Favorite
A timeless classic! This spaghetti sauce is rich, hearty, and perfect for a family dinner. The secret to a great meat sauce is to let it simmer for a while to develop the flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips for a Richer Sauce: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor. A splash of red wine also adds depth!
Ground Beef Recipes with a Twist
Ready to spice things up and move beyond the basics? These ground beef recipes add a fun and flavorful twist to your usual dinner routine. We’re talking globally inspired flavors and homemade seasonings that elevate simple ground beef to something truly special.
Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, these Korean ground beef bowls are a quick and easy way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine at home. This is one of my go-to ground beef recipes when I need a fast and tasty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Cook until the sauce has thickened and the beef is coated.
- Serve over rice with your favorite veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions: Top with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Taco Seasoning
Skip the store-bought seasoning and make your own! These ground beef tacos are bursting with flavor, and they’re always a hit at taco night. Trust me; once you make your own taco seasoning, you’ll never go back! If you like spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You may also enjoy this with a side of Yukon Gold potatoes .
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Ground Beef Taco Filling Instructions:
- Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated.
Topping Ideas: Load up your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime!
One-Pan Ground Beef Dinners for Easy Cleanup
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? These ground beef recipes minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor. That means more time relaxing and less time scrubbing! These easy ground beef dinners are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss.
One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice
This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s like a deconstructed cheesy burger in a pan!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Stir in rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Preventing Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet and stir occasionally while simmering.
One-Pan Ground Beef and Vegetable Skillet
A healthy and delicious way to use up leftover veggies. This ground beef skillet is packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables! Looking for other ways to incorporate cottage cheese into your diet? Consider trying some cottage cheese cookie dough .
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups assorted chopped vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the remaining vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
Variations: Try different veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or kale. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. For additional ideas, this article provides tips from Healthline about healthy meal options with ground beef.
Ground Beef Casseroles: Perfect for Potlucks
Casseroles are always a good idea, especially when they involve ground beef! These ground beef casseroles are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. They’re easy to assemble and bake, and they always disappear quickly. Did you know Campbell’s soup can be naturally upgraded for enhanced flavor? More on naturally upgrading Campbell’s soup here.
Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting classic with a layer of savory ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is my go-to recipe when I want something warm and comforting on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with cheese (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is lightly browned.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess. Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt to taste.
Ground Beef Taco Casserole
All the flavors of tacos in a convenient and cheesy casserole. This is a fun and easy way to enjoy taco night without all the individual assembly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
- 6 flour tortillas, cut into wedges
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and follow packet directions, adding water as needed.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Layer half of the tortillas in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the ground beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Top with the remaining tortillas and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Topping Suggestions: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Ground Beef
A few simple tips can make a big difference in how your ground beef dishes turn out. These small adjustments can really elevate your ground beef cooking game. Let’s make sure every dish is delicious!
How to Brown Ground Beef Properly
Browning ground beef correctly is key to flavorful dishes. Here are my top tips:
- Use a large skillet – this prevents overcrowding.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – brown in batches if necessary.
- Break up the beef with a spatula – aim for small, even pieces.
- Drain off excess fat – this prevents a greasy texture.
Seasoning Secrets
Seasoning is where you can really customize your ground beef recipes!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs – get creative!
- Season early and often – this allows the flavors to meld together.
- Taste as you go – adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle some common questions I get about cooking with ground beef. These are the things I wish I knew when I first started cooking!
What else can I do with ground beef?
Beyond the usual suspects like burgers and spaghetti, ground beef is incredibly versatile! Think outside the box: use it in stuffed bell peppers, a hearty chili, savory empanadas, or a classic shepherd’s pie. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can also make a big batch of meatballs, bake them, and freeze them for quick and easy meals later. They’re great in pasta, sandwiches, or even as appetizers! If you are looking for inspiration, check out these cowboy meatballs.
What can you make with a pound of ground beef?
A single pound of ground beef can stretch surprisingly far. You can whip up a large pot of spaghetti sauce that’ll last for several meals, a flavorful chili perfect for a chilly evening, enough taco filling for the whole family, or a comforting meatloaf that’s sure to please. Meal planning is key! I often make a big batch of bolognese sauce and freeze it in individual portions for those busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.
What does adding milk to ground beef do?
Adding milk, or even bread soaked in milk, to ground beef is an old-school trick for keeping it moist and tender, particularly in recipes like meatloaf or homemade meatballs. The milk acts as a binder, helping to retain moisture and preventing the meat from drying out during cooking. It’s a secret my grandma swore by, and it really works! Give it a try next time you’re making meatloaf – you’ll notice the difference.
What is the best way to cook ground beef?
The “best” way to cook ground beef really depends on what you’re making! However, a good general rule is to start by browning it in a skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up well with a spatula to ensure even cooking, and always drain off any excess fat. For some dishes, like chili or a slow-cooked ragu, you’ll want to simmer the browned ground beef in sauce for an extended period to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This slow simmering makes all the difference! Consider using similar spices from recipes with similar spices to baingan bharta, depending on your spice tolerance!
Ground Beef Recipes: From Our Kitchen to Yours
I hope these ground beef recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and create delicious, family-friendly meals. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend casserole, I hope these recipes become staples in your home, just like they are in mine. Happy cooking, and enjoy!