Welcome to my blog.
In today’s blog, I want to share 22 quick ground beef recipes you’ll definitely love.
I know it can be frustrating to search for ground beef recipes and still not know which ones are actually worth making.
That is exactly why I wrote this guide.
I included only the recipes that I genuinely think are easy, delicious, and perfect for busy days.
Before writing this guide, I looked through lots of ground beef recipes to pick the best and most satisfying ones for you.
So, if you are looking for quick ground beef recipes, trust me, you will definitely love this guide.
Let’s get into the list.
1. Easy Beef Tacos
Tacos are a classic choice for a busy Tuesday night.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make them. Kids totally love building their own tacos at the table.
It is honestly one of my absolute favorite quick dinners.
Ingredients
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One pound of ground beef
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One packet of taco seasoning
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Eight hard taco shells
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One cup of shredded cheese
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Your favorite salsa
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat on your stove until it loses all pink color.
Next, drain the extra fat safely into an empty can, return it to the pan, and add taco seasoning with a bit of water.
Simmer the meat for five minutes until the liquid reduces and the savory spice sauce coats every single piece of beef beautifully.
Then, scoop the warm seasoned beef into your crispy taco shells using a spoon, filling each one up to the very top.
Top with plenty of shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, and your favorite salsa to give the dish a wonderful pop of bright color.
This quick step makes a super fun dinner option that your young children will love to eat.
2. Quick Beef Quesadillas
If you have leftover taco meat, you could try making quesadillas. They are super cheesy and crisp.
I suggest serving them with sour cream or salsa.
Trust me, these are so easy to whip up when you are short on time. They are absolutely perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
-
Half pound of cooked ground beef
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Four large flour tortillas
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One cup of cheddar cheese
-
Two tablespoons of butter
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Sour cream for dipping
Step by Step Instructions
First, place two large flour tortillas flat on your clean kitchen counter so you have plenty of space to build your meal.
Sprinkle half of your cheddar cheese and all of the warm cooked ground beef over the flat surface of the tortillas evenly.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and carefully place the other two flour tortillas directly on top like a nice sandwich.
Melt your butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, making sure the hot melted butter coats the entire bottom surface.
Cook each quesadilla for three minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and the interior cheese is totally melted and wonderfully gooey.
Cut them into neat triangles with a sharp knife and serve them warm with a bit of sour cream.
3. Simple Beef Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are messy but so fun to eat. This sweet and tangy meat sauce fits perfectly on hamburger buns.
Trust me, your kids will ask for this every single week.
I totally love making this dish because it requires almost zero effort from you.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
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Half cup of ketchup
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One tablespoon of yellow mustard
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One tablespoon of brown sugar
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Four soft hamburger buns
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a large pan over medium high heat and drain the hot grease into a glass jar.
Stir the rich tomato ketchup, yellow mustard, and sweet brown sugar directly into the cooked meat with a big wooden kitchen spoon.
Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for about ten minutes while stirring often so nothing burns or sticks.
Once the sauce is thick and bubbly, turn off the heat on your stove and let it cool for a single minute.
Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto your soft hamburger buns using a deep ladle so it looks messy and delicious.
4. One Pot Beef and Macaroni
Cleaning up tons of pots and pans is pretty much the worst chore.
I totally hate doing dishes after a long day at work. That is why this one pot recipe is an absolute lifesaver for me.
Everything cooks together in one single pan, which means less cleanup for you later.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
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Two cups of elbow macaroni
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Two cups of tomato sauce
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Two cups of water
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One cup of shredded cheese
Step by Step Instructions
First, put your raw ground beef into a large deep pot and cook it thoroughly until it is completely brown and crumbled.
Drain the warm fat out safely and then add the dry uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the same pot with the meat.
Pour the rich red tomato sauce and two cups of clear water directly over your noodles so they are submerged in liquid.
Bring the liquid to a steady rolling boil over medium heat on your kitchen stove, stirring once to combine everything well.
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook for twelve minutes until the pasta is perfectly soft and absorbs the juices.
Stir in your shredded cheese until it melts completely into a rich, velvety, and creamy sauce that everyone will absolutely love.
5. Quick Beef Stir Fry
You might want to try a stir fry when you need veggies.
It is a healthy way to use ground meat.Plus, it tastes just like takeout food from a restaurant.
I think you will love how fast this comes together in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
Two cups of chopped broccoli
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One fourth cup of soy sauce
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One tablespoon of honey
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Two cups of cooked rice
Step by Step Instructions
First, cook your ground beef in a large skillet over high heat until it is no longer pink or raw inside.
Toss your fresh green chopped broccoli pieces directly into the hot pan with the cooked meat to start the cooking process.
Pour the savory soy sauce and sweet sticky honey over everything using a clean glass measuring cup from your kitchen cupboard drawer.
Stir fry the entire mixture for about five minutes until the fresh broccoli gets nice and tender but still keeps its crunch.
The sweet and salty sauce will thicken beautifully as it bubbles away on the hot stove over medium heat right now.
Spoon the hot savory beef stir fry over bowls of warm white rice and serve it to your family.
6. Cheesy Beef Nachos
Nachos are perfect for movie nights or game days.
You can layer everything on a baking sheet. It takes almost no effort to make a huge platter.
You can easily make it taste like a decadent restaurant appetizer in ten minutes.
Ingredients
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One bag of tortilla chips
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One pound of cooked ground beef
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Two cups of nacho cheese sauce
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Half cup of sliced jalapenos
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One dollop of sour cream
Step by Step Instructions
First, spread your favorite salty tortilla chips evenly across a large baking tray so they form a single nice flat layer.
Scatter the warm cooked seasoned ground beef all over the crunchy chips, making sure every single chip gets a little bit.
Pour your hot nacho cheese sauce evenly over the top using a large kitchen spoon to create a beautiful cheesy blanket.
Add the spicy sliced jalapenos across the cheese layer if you like a bit of heat and extra flavor on your nachos.
Put the baking tray in your warm oven for three minutes to heat everything up safely until the cheese bubbles up nicely.
Top with a large dollop of cool sour cream and enjoy.
7. Easy Beef Slider Burgers
Regular burgers take time to grill, but sliders are fast.
These tiny burgers cook quickly in a hot pan. They are the perfect size for little hands to hold.
Personally, I eat these tasty mini burgers whenever I want a quick comfort food meal.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One teaspoon of salt
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Eight small slider buns
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Eight slices of American cheese
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Your favorite burger sauce
Step by Step Instructions
First, shape your fresh ground beef into eight small, flat, round patties using your hands on a clean cutting board space.
Season both sides of the mini beef patties with a little bit of salt and black pepper for a simple flavor.
Cook them in a hot skillet for three minutes on each side until they are perfectly brown and cooked all through.
Place a slice of American cheese on top of each mini burger during the last minute of cooking to melt it.
Put the hot cheesy patties inside your small slider buns and add a splash of your favorite secret burger sauce inside.
These are pretty much the perfect quick night meal when you need to eat something delicious very fast after work today.
8. Five Ingredient Beef Chili
Chili usually takes hours to simmer, but this quick version is ready fast. It uses canned beans to save time.
It is perfect for cold winter nights. Believe it or not, it is that simple to make a filling chili that keeps you warm.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One can of kidney beans
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One can of diced tomatoes
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Two tablespoons of chili powder
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One pinch of salt
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a deep pot over medium heat on your stove until it looks completely cooked through.
Do not forget to drain the extra grease into a container safely before you add the other ingredients to the pot.
Dump the canned kidney beans, juicy diced tomatoes, and dark chili powder directly into the pot with your cooked ground meat.
Stir everything together well with a large wooden spoon to mix the spices into the liquid until it looks well blended.
Let the chili simmer on medium low heat for about fifteen minutes until it gets thick, warm, and smells absolutely amazing.
Pour the hot cozy soup into deep bowls and enjoy a simple winter dinner with your family.
9. Quick Ground Beef Stroganoff
This dish feels fancy but it is actually very easy.
It uses sour cream to create a rich, velvety sauce. Serve it over hot egg noodles for the best comfort food.
I think you will love how creamy and savory this tastes.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One cup of sliced mushrooms
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One cup of beef broth
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Half cup of sour cream
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Four cups of cooked egg noodles
Step by Step Instructions
First, cook your ground beef and sliced mushrooms together in a large frying pan until the meat is fully browned nicely.
Pour the savory beef broth into the pan and let the rich liquid bubble gently over medium heat for five minutes.
Turn off the heat on your stove completely so the cold dairy does not separate when you add it to the pan.
Stir in the fresh sour cream using a spoon until it turns into a smooth, thick, and velvety brown gravy sauce.
Pour the rich beef mixture over your hot cooked egg noodles right away while everything is still nice and warm today.
This classic dinner option is loaded with cozy flavors that your whole family will totally love.
10. Beef and Rice Skillet
Rice dishes are great because they fill you up safely.
You can use instant rice to make this meal even faster. It is a complete dinner in one skillet.
Honestly, it is a great option when you have zero energy left for cooking.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One cup of instant white rice
-
One cup of beef broth
-
One cup of frozen peas
-
One cup of shredded cheddar
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground meat in a deep skillet over medium heat and drain the extra grease out into a jar.
Add the dry instant white rice and savory beef broth directly into the same pan with your warm cooked ground meat.
Toss in your frozen green peas to add a nice pop of healthy color and some sweetness to the dish today.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid to trap all the hot steam inside.
Wait exactly five minutes on low heat until the rice completely absorbs all the rich savory broth and becomes very soft.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top before serving this.
11. Korean Style Beef Bowls
This recipe is a bit sweet and a bit salty. It uses ginger and garlic for a fresh flavor.
It is a fantastic option for weekly meal prep. I suggest trying this when you want something unique but totally fast.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One third cup of brown sugar
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One fourth cup of soy sauce
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One teaspoon of sesame oil
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Three cups of cooked white rice
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat on your stove until it is no longer pink inside.
While it cooks, whisk the sweet brown sugar, salty soy sauce, and rich sesame oil together in a small mixing bowl.
Pour the sweet dark sauce directly over your cooked meat in the hot pan while it is still on the stove.
Cook the mixture for three minutes until it gets sticky, reduces down, and covers all the beef pieces completely and beautifully.
Spoon the sweet Korean style beef over big bowls of warm white rice that you prepared earlier for dinner tonight.
This simple step makes a wonderful quick lunch that tastes much better than expensive restaurant food.
12. Easy Meatball Subs
Making meatballs from scratch can take a long time. Here is what you can do instead.
Use ground beef to make quick, rustic meat chunks that mimic meatballs.
This smart shortcut saves tons of time on a busy evening in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One cup of marinara sauce
-
Four long hoagie rolls
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One cup of mozzarella cheese
-
One teaspoon of garlic powder
Step by Step Instructions
First, shape your ground beef into small chunks with your hands and season them well with savory garlic powder right now.
Fry the meat pieces in a large skillet over medium high heat until they are fully cooked all the way through.
Pour the red marinara sauce directly into the pan to warm it up alongside the hot juicy pieces of ground meat.
Spoon the saucy meat chunks into your open hoagie rolls carefully using a large spoon so you do not spill it.
Top each sandwich with plenty of shredded mozzarella cheese to cover the meat completely and make it look extra delicious.
Place them under your oven broiler for two minutes until the white cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
13. Beef and Bean Burritos
Burritos are excellent for making ahead of time. You can wrap them in foil and freeze them.
Then, just microwave them when you are hungry.
No worries, this recipe is super simple and pretty much foolproof for any home cook.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One can of refried beans
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Four large flour tortillas
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One cup of shredded lettuce
-
One cup of salsa
Step by Step Instructions
First, cook your ground beef in a large frying pan until it is completely done and brown all over the place.
Warm up your canned refried beans in a separate microwave safe bowl for one minute until they are nice and hot.
Lay your large flour tortillas completely flat on a clean plate or a wooden cutting board on your kitchen counter space.
Spread a large spoonful of warm refried beans and cooked ground beef onto the center of each soft flour tortilla evenly.
Add some fresh shredded green lettuce and red salsa right on top of the seasoned meat for crunch and extra flavor.
Roll the tortillas up tightly into neat packages and your filling dinner is ready to enjoy.
14. Quick Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
If you love egg rolls but want fewer carbs, this is for you. It combines ground beef with shredded cabbage.
It is crispy, savory, and healthy. Personally, I make this fresh bowl at least once every single week.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One bag of coleslaw mix
-
Two tablespoons of soy sauce
-
One teaspoon of garlic powder
-
One tablespoon of sesame oil
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat on your stove until it is fully cooked through.
Drain the extra grease safely into an empty can and keep the hot pan on the stove over medium heat now.
Dump the entire bag of shredded coleslaw mix cabbage directly into the pan with your cooked ground meat with a spoon.
Pour the savory soy sauce, garlic powder, and rich sesame oil evenly over the top of the white and green cabbage.
Stir fry everything together for five minutes until the fresh cabbage gets soft and shrinks down inside the hot frying skillet.
This quick meal gives you all the amazing flavor of a traditional egg roll without any of the hard wrapping work.
15. Simple Baked Ziti with Beef
Baked pasta usually takes an hour, but we can speed it up.
Cook the pasta and meat on the stove first. Then, do a quick broil in the oven.
It is an absolute lifesaver when your kids want comfort food fast.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
Three cups of ziti pasta
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One jar of pasta sauce
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Two cups of mozzarella cheese
-
One pinch of dried oregano
Step by Step Instructions
First, boil your ziti pasta in hot water according to the box instructions until it is tender to bite into.
Cook your ground beef in a separate pan over medium heat and drain the extra fat out into a container safely.
Mix the cooked meat with your favorite jar of red tomato pasta sauce until everything is well combined and hot inside.
Combine the drained pasta noodles and your savory meat sauce together directly in a large glass or ceramic baking dish now.
Sprinkle your white shredded mozzarella cheese and a bit of dried oregano over the top to cover the whole dish evenly.
Broil it in your oven for five minutes until the cheese melts completely before you serve it.
16. Beef and Potato Hash
Have you ever tried ground beef for breakfast? It is absolutely delicious.
This hash uses diced potatoes and beef for a hearty meal.
I think you will love how cozy this feels on a chilly weekend morning in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
Two cups of diced potatoes
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Half cup of chopped onions
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Two tablespoons of cooking oil
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Salt and black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
First, heat your clear cooking oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering.
Fry the small diced potatoes and chopped white onions in the hot oil until they get soft and slightly brown around edges.
Add the fresh ground beef directly to the same pan with the cooked potatoes and onions to blend the flavors together.
Cook everything together while stirring often with a spatula so nothing sticks to the bottom of your hot frying pan today.
Season the warm mixture with a little bit of salt and black pepper according to your own personal taste right now.
Cook until the beef is fully brown and the diced potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
17. Quick Taco Salad
When it is hot outside, you might not want a heavy meal.
A taco salad is cool yet satisfying. You can use your favorite salad greens as the base.
It is packed with protein and loaded with crunch from tortilla chips.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One packet of taco seasoning
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One head of romaine lettuce
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One cup of crushed tortilla chips
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Half cup of ranch dressing
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a pan over medium heat and drain the extra grease out into a trash can.
Mix in your taco seasoning with a splash of clear water until the liquid bubbles and thickens into a nice sauce.
Chop your fresh romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces and place it into a very large glass salad bowl right now.
Top the green lettuce with your warm seasoned beef and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to start building layers.
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the salad to add a great crunchy texture that your kids love.
18. Cheesy Beef and Biscuit Casserole
This recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough to save time. It creates a fluffy, bready topping over savory beef.
It feels like a pie but takes half the work. Many people find this dish totally comforting on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One can of tomato paste
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One can of refrigerated biscuits
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One cup of cheddar cheese
-
Half cup of water
Step by Step Instructions
First, cook your ground beef in a pan over medium heat and stir in the thick red tomato paste smoothly.
Add a half cup of water to the pan to loosen the paste and make a thick savory meat sauce instead.
Pour the hot beef mixture into a square glass baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spoon across the bottom.
Cut your raw refrigerated biscuits into small pieces using a butter knife on a clean kitchen cutting board right now.
Place the raw biscuit pieces gently on top of the hot meat layer and add plenty of orange cheddar cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for fifteen minutes until the bread topping is golden brown and cooked all the way through inside.
19. Ground Beef Goulash
This is an old fashioned recipe that grandparents love to make.
It uses simple pantry staples like tomato soup and macaroni.
It is warm, filling, and very cheap. Believe it or not, it is that simple to feed a huge crowd.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One can of tomato soup
-
Two cups of cooked macaroni noodles
-
One teaspoon of onion powder
-
One pinch of salt
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and remove the hot grease from the pan carefully.
Stir the canned tomato soup and savory onion powder directly into the cooked meat with a spoon until well blended together.
Drop your cooked macaroni noodles into the red soup sauce using a spoon, mixing everything so the noodles are coated well.
Heat the mixture on medium heat on your stove for five minutes until it bubbles up nicely and gets very warm.
Season with a little salt and black pepper according to your family taste preferences before you turn off the stove.
20. Quick Beef Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are light and refreshing to eat. They are a great alternative to heavy tortillas or bread.
You can use crisp iceberg lettuce for the best crunch.
I know how good it feels to eat a healthy meal after a workout.
Ingredients
-
One pound of ground beef
-
One fourth cup of hoisin sauce
-
One head of iceberg lettuce
-
Two green onions chopped
-
One teaspoon of garlic powder
Step by Step Instructions
First, cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully brown and crumbly to look at.
Drain the extra fat out of the pan safely and stir in your sweet, dark, and savory hoisin sauce smoothly.
Add the chopped green onions and garlic powder to the meat mixture to give it a burst of fresh flavor today.
Cook for two more minutes until the sweet sauce coats every single piece of beef and becomes warm and sticky inside.
Wash your fresh iceberg lettuce leaves carefully in cold water and separate them into neat little cups on a plate.
Spoon the hot savory beef directly into the crisp lettuce leaves to serve this healthy meal to your friends right away.
21. Easy Beef and Gravy over Toast
This is a classic budget meal from the old days.
It is sometimes called minced beef on toast. It is warm comfort food when you have nothing in the fridge.
Trust me, it tastes much better than it looks.
Ingredients
-
Half pound of ground beef
-
One packet of brown gravy mix
-
One cup of water
-
Four slices of white bread
-
One pinch of pepper
Step by Step Instructions
First, brown your ground beef in a small pan over medium heat on your stove until it is completely cooked.
Remove the extra grease safely from the pan before you start to make the savory brown gravy sauce for dinner.
Mix your brown gravy powder packet with one cup of cold water in a small mixing bowl with a fork.
Pour the gravy liquid directly into the pan with your cooked meat, stirring constantly so it does not form lumps.
Simmer the mixture for three minutes over low heat until the gravy gets nice, thick, and clings to the beef.
Toast your white bread slices until golden and pour the hot beef gravy right over them before serving it.
22. Cheesy Beef French Bread Pizzas
Why order pizza when you can make it faster at home?
Using French bread as the crust saves you from rolling dough. It gets incredibly crispy in the oven.
This step makes a super fun dinner option for your kids.
Ingredients
-
Half pound of cooked ground beef
-
One loaf of French bread
-
One cup of pizza sauce
-
Two cups of mozzarella cheese
-
Your favorite pizza toppings
Step by Step Instructions
First, slice your loaf of French bread open lengthwise using a long bread knife on your kitchen counter space carefully.
Spread your red tomato pizza sauce evenly on both halves of the bread, reaching all the way to the outer crusts.
Add your cooked ground beef on top of the savory pizza sauce layer, distributing the meat evenly across the bread surface.
Cover the meat completely with a thick layer of shredded mozzarella cheese so it looks like a real traditional pizza pie.
Place the bread pizzas onto a large metal baking sheet and slide it inside your warm preheated oven right away tonight.
Bake at 400 degrees for ten minutes until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown color and melts into the bread.
And that’s it for this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you cook ground beef from frozen?
A. You can totally cook it straight from the freezer. Just use low heat and a tight lid so the trapped steam thaws it safely.
2. How do you know when ground beef is done?
A. Your meat is done when there is absolutely no pink color left. It should look fully brown and reach 160 degrees inside.
3. Why is my ground beef releasing so much water?
A. This usually happens if your pan is too crowded. The beef boils instead of frying, so you should try using a larger pan.
4. Can I substitute ground turkey in these recipes?
A. Yes, you can switch them out easily. Turkey works perfectly for all 22 meals, but you might need a splash of cooking oil.
5. How long does ground beef last in the freezer?
A. It stays perfectly fresh for up to four months. Just make sure to wrap your meat tightly to avoid annoying freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
I hope these quick ground beef recipes gave you plenty of ideas for your next meal.
If you have any suggestions, or a favorite recipe from this list, feel free to share them in the comments below.
Also, if there is a topic you would like me to write about next, let me know in the comments.
Thank you so much for reading till the end.
See you in the next blog.