Ground Beef Recipes: A Week of Delicious & Easy Dinners
Ground beef is a kitchen staple for a reason! It’s affordable, versatile, and can be transformed into countless delicious meals. If you’re looking for inspiration for easy and satisfying dinners every night of the week, look no further. This collection of ground beef recipes offers a variety of flavors and cuisines, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From classic comfort food to globally-inspired dishes, get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these simple yet flavorful ground beef recipes.
Why Ground Beef is a Weeknight Winner
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly highlight why ground beef is such a fantastic choice for weeknight cooking:
* **Quick Cooking:** Ground beef cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings.
* **Affordable:** It’s a budget-friendly protein source, perfect for feeding a family.
* **Versatile:** Ground beef can be seasoned and flavored in countless ways.
* **Easy to Find:** It’s readily available in most grocery stores.
* **Freezes Well:** You can easily freeze ground beef for future meals.
Essential Tips for Cooking Ground Beef
Before we start with the recipes, here are a few essential tips to ensure your ground beef is cooked perfectly every time:
* **Choose the Right Ground Beef:** Ground beef is typically labeled with its lean-to-fat ratio (e.g., 80/20, 90/10). The leaner the ground beef, the less fat it will render during cooking. 80/20 ground beef is a good all-purpose choice, while leaner options are better for dishes where you want to minimize grease.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook ground beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of brown.
* **Break it Up Well:** Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks.
* **Drain Excess Fat:** After cooking, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish. You can use a spoon to carefully scoop out the fat or tilt the pan and use a paper towel to absorb it.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season your ground beef generously! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are all great choices.
* **Cook to a Safe Internal Temperature:** The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
Now, let’s get cooking!
Monday: Classic Beef Chili
Kick off the week with a comforting and flavorful bowl of chili. This recipe is easy to customize to your liking – add more spice, beans, or vegetables as desired.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
* **Add more vegetables:** Corn, carrots, or zucchini would be great additions.
* **Use different beans:** Pinto beans or cannellini beans would also work well.
* **Make it in a slow cooker:** Brown the ground beef and vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Tuesday: Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty and comforting classic, Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious way to use ground beef. The creamy mashed potato topping makes it extra satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 carrot, chopped
* 1 celery stalk, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought) for topping
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for browning potatoes)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and corn.
5. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Transfer the ground beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
9. Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes (optional).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add more vegetables:** Mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips would be great additions.
* **Use different herbs:** Rosemary or sage would also work well.
* **Top with cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
* **Make individual pies:** Divide the ground beef mixture and mashed potatoes into individual ramekins.
## Wednesday: Beef Tacos
Tacos are a quick, easy, and customizable meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is simple to adapt to your family’s preferences.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1/2 cup water
* Taco shells (hard or soft)
* Toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pickled onions
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and water.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Warm the taco shells according to package directions.
5. Fill the taco shells with the ground beef mixture and your favorite toppings.
6. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Make your own taco seasoning:** Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Add beans:** Stir in a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans.
* **Add corn:** Stir in a can of drained corn.
* **Use different toppings:** Try pickled jalapeños, cilantro, or lime wedges.
* **Make a taco salad:** Serve the ground beef mixture over a bed of lettuce with your favorite toppings.
## Thursday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic comfort food that’s always a hit. This recipe is simple and flavorful, perfect for a busy weeknight.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve over cooked spaghetti with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add more vegetables:** Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers would be great additions.
* **Add a pinch of red pepper flakes:** For a little heat.
* **Use Italian sausage:** Combine ground beef with Italian sausage for a more complex flavor.
* **Add a bay leaf:** Remove the bay leaf before serving.
## Friday: Ground Beef Stir-Fry
End the week with a quick and easy stir-fry. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 1 bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Cooked rice, for serving
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the ground beef until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Return the ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different vegetables:** Snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini would also work well.
* **Add a pinch of red pepper flakes:** For a little heat.
* **Use different sauces:** Try teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce.
* **Add noodles:** Serve over cooked noodles instead of rice.
## Saturday: Beef and Bean Burritos
Burritos are a fun and customizable meal that’s perfect for a casual Saturday night. Get the whole family involved in assembling their own burritos.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1/2 cup water
* Large flour tortillas
* Toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, rice
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and water.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
6. Fill the tortillas with the ground beef mixture, rice, and your favorite toppings.
7. Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll up from the bottom.
8. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add rice:** Brown or white rice makes a great addition to burritos.
* **Add cheese sauce:** Nacho cheese or queso adds extra flavor.
* **Grill the burritos:** For a crispy exterior, grill the assembled burritos for a few minutes per side.
* **Make a burrito bowl:** Skip the tortilla and serve the filling in a bowl with your favorite toppings.
## Sunday: Meatloaf
End the week with a classic meatloaf. This recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner. Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds ground beef
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Topping:
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Spread the topping evenly over the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add vegetables:** Shredded carrots or zucchini would be great additions.
* **Use different herbs:** Rosemary or sage would also work well.
* **Add cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* **Wrap in bacon:** For extra flavor, wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Most of these ground beef dishes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or stovetop until heated through.
Ground beef chili and spaghetti sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Enjoy these delicious and easy ground beef recipes! They are sure to become weeknight staples in your home.