Ground Beef Goodness: Quick & Simple Recipes

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Easy Ground Beef Recipes: A Home Cook’s Delight

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that’s a staple in many kitchens. It’s affordable, readily available, and can be transformed into a wide variety of delicious meals. From classic comfort food to quick weeknight dinners, the possibilities are endless.

This article will explore some easy ground beef recipes that are perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

1. Classic Cheeseburgers

Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ground Beef and Potatoes

What’s more American than a juicy cheeseburger? This classic dish is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns
  • Cheese slices (your favorite kind)
  • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.)

  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
    2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
    3. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Assemble the burgers by placing a beef patty on each bun bottom, topping with cheese, and adding your favorite toppings.

    2. Spaghetti and Meatballs

    This Italian-American classic is a comforting and satisfying meal.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
    2. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
    3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
    4. Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker.
    5. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
    6. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
    7. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
    8. Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce.

    3. Taco Tuesday

    Taco Tuesday is a weekly tradition in many households. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • Hard or soft taco shells
  • Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, salsa, guacamole)

  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
    2. Stir in the taco seasoning and water.
    3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
    4. Serve the beef mixture in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

    4. Shepherd’s Pie

    This hearty and comforting dish is a classic for a reason.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Instructions:
    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
    2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
    3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
    4. Gradually stir in the beef broth until the mixture is smooth.
    5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
    6. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
    7. Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    8. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture.
    9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
    10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

    5. Sloppy Joes

    This classic American comfort food is easy to make and always a hit with kids.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Hamburger buns

  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
    2. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened.
    3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato soup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
    4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
    5. Serve on hamburger buns.

    6. Stuffed Peppers

    This healthy and flavorful dish is a great way to get your vegetables.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)

  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
    3. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened.
    4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, rice, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
    6. Remove the cores and seeds from the bell peppers.
    7. Fill the bell peppers with the beef mixture.
    8. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
    9. Add 1/2 cup water to the baking dish.
    10. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

    7. Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

    This hearty and healthy soup is perfect for a cold winter day.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
    2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until softened.
    3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, lentils, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
    5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

    8. Chili

    This classic American dish is perfect for a cold winter night.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (1.25 ounce) packet chili seasoning

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