Outline of the Article:
- Introduction
- Benefits of using ground beef in recipes
- Quick and easy ground beef recipes
3.1. Classic beef burger
3.2. Spaghetti bolognese
3.3. Beef tacos - Healthy ground beef recipes
4.1. Ground beef and vegetable stir-fry
4.2. Greek-style beef meatballs
4.3. Lean beef chili - Ground beef recipes for special occasions
5.1. Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef
5.2. Beef and mushroom Wellington
5.3. Shepherd’s pie - Ground beef recipes from around the world
6.1. Korean beef bulgogi
6.2. Mexican picadillo
6.3. Lebanese kafta kebabs - Conclusion
Simple Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special dish to impress your guests, these simple ground beef recipes are sure to please. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using ground beef in recipes and provide you with a collection of mouth-watering dishes to try.
Benefits of using ground beef in recipes
Ground beef is a popular choice for many home cooks due to its versatility and flavor. Here are some of the benefits of using ground beef in your recipes:
-
Affordability: Ground beef is often more budget-friendly than other types of meat, making it a cost-effective option for families or individuals on a tight budget.
-
Versatility: Ground beef can be used in a wide range of recipes, from classic burgers to international favorites like tacos and meatballs.
-
Flavor: Ground beef has a rich and savory taste that adds depth to dishes. It can be seasoned and cooked in various ways to suit different cuisines and flavor profiles.
Now, let’s dive into some delicious ground beef recipes that you can easily prepare at home.
Quick and easy ground beef recipes
Classic beef burger
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns and toppings of your choice
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into patties of your desired size.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
- Serve the cooked patties on burger buns and add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments.
Spaghetti bolognese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked spaghetti noodles
Steps:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the bolognese sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Beef tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa and sour cream for topping
Steps:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet. Simmer until the beef is cooked through and the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions.
- Fill the shells with the seasoned ground beef and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Enjoy your homemade beef tacos!
These quick and easy ground beef recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Next, let’s explore some healthier options using ground beef.
Healthy ground beef recipes
Ground beef and vegetable stir-fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Assorted vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Stir in the vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp.
- Season the stir-fry with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the ground beef and vegetable stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles for a balanced meal.
Greek-style beef meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tzatziki sauce for dipping
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
- Serve the Greek-style beef meatballs with tzatziki sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Lean beef chili
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the lean beef chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or sour cream.
These healthy ground beef recipes are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a great choice for those who want to maintain a balanced diet. Let’s now explore some ground beef recipes that are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
Ground beef recipes for special occasions
Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the ground beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot and enjoy this flavorful dish.
Beef and mushroom Wellington
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms release