From sizzling tacos to hearty casseroles, these ground beef recipes for dinner bring bold flavors to your table.
Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, cooks quickly, and works in a variety of dishes. Whether you want something classic, comforting, or packed with bold flavors, these ground beef recipes for dinner will satisfy your cravings without the stress.
Ground Beef Recipes
1. Classic Homemade Beef Tacos
Nothing beats the simplicity and flavor of homemade beef tacos. This recipe brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef with fresh toppings for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 small taco shells
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed by tilting the pan slightly and using a spoon or paper towel to remove excess grease carefully.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in tomato sauce, stir well, and let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Spoon the beef mixture into taco shells and add toppings of choice.
2. One-Pan Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
If you love takeout, this beef and broccoli stir-fry is a must-try. It’s quick, loaded with nutrients, and tastes even better than restaurant versions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add broccoli and beef broth, cover, and steam for 3 minutes. The broccoli should be vibrant green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
3. Italian Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers bring a wholesome balance of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off peppers and remove seeds. Trim the bottoms slightly if needed so they stand upright in the baking dish.
- Cook ground beef in a pan over medium heat until browned, then stir in rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Stuff peppers with the mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place peppers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden for the best flavor.
Hot Tip: For a richer flavor, roast the bell peppers in the oven for 10 minutes before stuffing them.
4. Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole is loaded with creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a pan over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the potatoes, half the beef, and a portion of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Hot Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potatoes to ensure even cooking.
5. Korean-Inspired Beef Bowls
A quick, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
6. Ground Beef Chili
A hearty chili packed with protein, fiber, and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
These ground beef recipes for dinner give you practical, delicious, and health-conscious meals backed by science. Whether you want something quick like tacos or hearty like a casserole, there’s an option here to make your evenings stress-free and flavorful.
Also, do try these cottage cheese bagel recipes!
