10 Delicious Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Weeknight Ground Beef Delight: 10 Quick & Tasty Recipes

Life can get busy, and when evening rolls around, the last thing you may want to tackle is dinner. But worry not—ground beef is your best friend in the kitchen! Versatile, budget-friendly, and delicious, it can be transformed into an array of enticing dishes, ensuring your weeknight meals are both satisfying and effortless. Here, we present you with 10 mouthwatering ground beef recipes that will turn your weeknight dinners into moments to savor. Each recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor, perfect for those with a bustling schedule. Let’s dive in!

1. Quick Beef Taco Casserole

Tacos are a classic favorite, and this casserole variation makes for an easy one-dish meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 2 cups tortilla chips, broken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Sour cream and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until soft. Add in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it’s browned.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tortilla chips. Top with the beef mixture and half of the cheese. Add another layer of tortilla chips, and then finish with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.

2. Savory Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry packs colorful veggies into every bite, making it a healthy and delicious dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and sauté the ground beef until browned.
2. Toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the soy sauce and green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, mixing well to combine.
4. Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice.

3. One-Pan Beef Stroganoff

Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this creamy one-pan stroganoff, ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups wide egg noodles, uncooked
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and mushrooms, cooking until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, lower the heat and stir in the sour cream until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

4. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are not only appetizing but also make for a complete meal in one dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or pepper jack)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Mix in the cooked rice, drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
3. Stuff each halved bell pepper with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot.

5. Quick Beef & Spinach Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a fun and tasty way to use ground beef—the perfect finger food for a quick dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the spinach, cumin, and garlic powder, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of it with cheese, spoon on the beef and spinach mixture, then top with a bit more cheese. Fold the tortilla over.
3. In the same skillet, cook each quesadilla over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream.

6. Beef and Veggie Skillet

This skillet dish combines protein with seasonal vegetables in a flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Incorporate the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, stirring well.
3. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.

7. Beefy Chili

There’s nothing quite like a hearty chili for a cozy weeknight, and this ground beef version is a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the onion, cooking until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Serve hot with cornbread or over rice.

8. Beef and Potato Hash

This hearty hash is perfect for any time of the day and is a delicious way to use up leftover potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, cooking until they begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Stir in the onion and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables start to brown.
3. Push the veggies to one side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Combine everything, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

9. Beef Fajitas

These sizzling beef fajitas are easy to whip up and packed with flavor—perfect for a fun weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 8 tortillas
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, and cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add in the sliced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
2. Mix in the fajita seasoning and cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.
3. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
4. Serve the beef mixture in warmed tortillas, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings.

10. Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

This cheesy bake is a great way to use ground beef and rice for a comforting and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (whatever cheese you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, adding garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Conclusion

With these 10 delicious ground beef recipes, weeknight dinners become not just quick and easy, but also incredibly tasty. Ground beef’s versatility allows it to shine across a range of cuisines, making it a staple in many households. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm casserole, a zesty stir-fry, or a comforting chili, these recipes will make dinner a delightful experience. By keeping your pantry stocked with ground beef and a few staples, you’ll be prepared for any busy weeknight.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work well in most of these recipes.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Many of these dishes can also be frozen for longer storage.

3. Can I prep these recipes in advance?
Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be prepped ahead of time and then baked or finished just before serving.

4. How can I make these recipes healthier?
You can add more vegetables, use whole grain options for pasta and rice, and opt for low-fat cheeses and lean cuts of ground meat.

5. What can I do if my kid doesn’t like vegetables?
Incorporate finely chopped or pureed vegetables into dishes, so they blend in with the overall flavor. Cheese and sauces can also help mask the taste.