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Whether you need dinner in a flash or are prepping for a special occasion or gathering, beef dinner ideas will get those wheels turning!

Collage of beef dinner ideas.

Beef! It’s what’s for dinner

Beef is a perfect protein addition to any meal. It can be ground, added into soups to feed the masses, shredded into Tacos, used in ground beef casserole recipes, or served as patties on buns. There is no shortage of variety in this list of ground beef dinner recipes!

  • For ground beef tips & tricks, scroll to the bottom of this post!

Best Beef Dinner Recipes

Whether you go for steak and mashed potatoes, or beef stroganoff over noodles – enjoy any of these classics, our favorites for any weeknight meal!

1 Kid-Friendly Spaghetti

Kid-Friendly Spaghetti
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Our favorite spaghetti is kid-friendly and simple with a delicious homemade sauce making it the perfect family dinner recipe!
5 from 365 votes
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2 Best Hamburger Recipe

Best Hamburger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This is the BEST Hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
5 from 37 votes

3 Hamburger Helper Recipe

Hamburger Helper Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Better than the box, Homemade Hamburger Helper is a perfect one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
4.97 from 62 votes
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4 Easy Lasagna Recipe

Easy Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Our family's favorite lasagna recipe – not only because it's delicious but because it's so EASY! With beef, Italian sausage, three cheeses, and tons of seasonings, you know this recipe is going to be a hit!
4.88 from 89 votes
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5 Easy Meatloaf

Easy Meatloaf
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy homemade meatloaf recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned—just like the classic comfort food you grew up with!
5 from 31 votes
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6 Easy Meatball Recipe

Easy Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy meatball recipe delivers juicy, flavorful perfection with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
5 from 206 votes
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7 Easy Goulash Recipe

Easy Goulash Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

This old-fashioned easy goulash recipe is a one-pot family favorite! It's the perfect go-to dinner recipe for any night of the week.
4.97 from 605 votes
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8 Best Chili Recipe

Best Chili Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

You're going to fall hard for this spicy, hearty homemade beef chili. This best chili recipe is not only simple, but delicious!!
5 from 83 votes
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9 Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

Cheesy ground beef enchiladas start with a flavorful homemade sauce. They are simple and delicious, a family favorite!
5 from 4 votes
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10 Taco Casserole Recipe

Taco Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

This hearty taco casserole recipe has a biscuit base and all your favorite taco flavors. It preps in just 5 minutes and feeds a crowd!
5 from 110 votes
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Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

Ground beef dishes include simple ingredients and are highlights of anything from taco soup to pasta dishes like lasagna or sloppy joes for the kids! Enjoy these deliciously easy options for you next weeknight dinner.

11 Loaded Nachos Recipe

Loaded Nachos Recipe
Total Time: 27 minutes

Recipe Video

This piled-high loaded nachos recipe is the perfect game-day food or appetizer -customize it with your favorite toppings!
5 from 23 votes
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12 Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Spaghetti casserole is a comfort-food classic turned cheesy baked pasta dish. It's a deliciously easy way to feed the family!
5 from 140 votes
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13 Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole
Total Time: 33 minutes
This 30-minute cheeseburger casserole with ground beef, pasta, and loads of cheese delivers all the burger flavor without the bun!
5 from 9 votes
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14 Grandma’s Albondigas Soup

Grandma’s Albondigas Soup
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

Handed down for generations, there's nothing better than Great Grandma's famous albondigas (Mexican meatball) soup!
5 from 352 votes
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15 Taco Pie Recipe

Taco Pie Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

If you're a fan of Mexican casserole and taco salads you'll love this taco pie! With a flaky crust, it's a delicious twist on tacos!
5 from 16 votes
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16 Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Hamburger Macaroni Soup is packed with flavor and it only requires a handful of pantry staples. It's hearty and delicious!
5 from 120 votes
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17 Chili Spaghetti

Chili Spaghetti
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Flavorful chili spaghetti is a midwestern twist on a classic bowl of chili. It is hearty with just the right amount of spice!!
4.98 from 45 votes
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18 Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy cheesy hamburger casserole is packed with flavor and kid approved! Loved by the entire family, it's a go-to in the monthly menu.
4.92 from 68 votes
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19 Walking Tacos Recipe

Walking Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 28 minutes

Recipe Video

Walking tacos are an easy grab-and-go meal that is full of flavor! They are no mess, easy to make, and perfect for large gatherings!!
5 from 8 votes
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20 Ranch Burger Recipe

Ranch Burger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
These are the BEST homemade hamburgers!! This cheesy Ranch Burger is complete with the most delicious secret sauce!
4.96 from 48 votes
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21 Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Ground Beef Tacos are fried to golden perfection and filled with lettuce and tomatoes. They are a family favorite!!
5 from 19 votes
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22 Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Easy cheesy skillet lasagna is a one-pot wonder that's on the table in only 30 minutes for a quick comfort food any night of the week!
5 from 20 votes
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23 Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Video

Easy Swedish meatballs made from both pork and beef are smothered in a creamy gravy. It's the perfect dish for holiday entertaining!
5 from 21 votes
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24 Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Recipe Video

This delicious crockpot lasagna recipe is just like the classic everyone loves, but made simpler in the slow cooker.
4.94 from 15 votes
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25 Crockpot Spaghetti

Crockpot Spaghetti
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Crockpot spaghetti is prepped in minutes and cooked low-and-slow for a quick homemade dinner any night of the week!
5 from 8 votes
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26 Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup
Total Time: 30 minutes
Veggie loaded Meatball soup is filling and delicious. Your entire family will love and devour this kid-friendly dish!
5 from 7 votes
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27 Taco Soup Recipe

Taco Soup Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Taco Soup is one of the EASIEST dinner recipes of all time! Just dump, simmer, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!
5 from 29 votes
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28 Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Sink your teeth into this hearty cheeseburger soup. Filled with meat and veggies, it's cheesy and completely crave-able!
4.79 from 14 votes
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29 Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna Soup Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Lasagna soup is everything you love about lasagna minus the time! It's easy, filling, and beyond delicious!!
4.96 from 24 votes
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30 Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells
Total Time: 50 minutes
A twist on a classic, taco stuffed shells meld the best of two cuisines into one delectable dish with just the right amount of spice!!
5 from 31 votes
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31 Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffed Shells Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Stuffed Shells is simple, cheesy and bakes in only 30 minutes. It's a perfect busy weeknight meal the entire family will love!
4.86 from 7 votes
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32 Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

This sloppy joe recipe is quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd! You'll make these meaty sandwiches from scratch every time. 
5 from 20 votes
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33 Taco Pizza Recipe

Taco Pizza Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
This delicious, Homemade Taco Pizza is simple and on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s topped with meat, beans, cheese and more making it flavorful and easy to customize based on all the flavors you love most.
5 from 13 votes
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34 Italian Meatball Recipe

Italian Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Recipe Video

This homemade Italian meatball recipe is sure to rival your favorite Italian restaurant. They are juicy, soft, and full of flavor!
5 from 9 votes
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35 Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti Pie
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Spaghetti pie is a hearty and delicious dinner-time twist, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners!
5 from 10 votes
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36 Tamale Pie Recipe

Tamale Pie Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Tamale pie is bursting with spice and hearty meat with a fabulous crust of tamale goodness. It is a delicious easy-to-make one-pan meal!
5 from 13 votes
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37 Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Homey & delicious hamburger tater tot casserole is layered with flavors everyone will love! It is kid-friendly, easy, and freezes perfectly!
5 from 49 votes
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38 Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

A simple twist on a favorite, our layered beef enchilada casserole is prepped in 15 minutes for a comforting classic, perfect for weeknights!
5 from 42 votes
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39 Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe

Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Creamy, savory hamburger stroganoff is a perfect weeknight dinner. It is full of flavor and comes together quickly.
5 from 15 votes
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40 Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Total Time: 48 minutes

Recipe Video

This copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza is supremely flavorful and delicious. It cooks in minutes, perfect for any night of the week!
5 from 5 votes
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41 Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Learn how to make shepherd's pie, a delicious comfort food with a rich beefy base, hearty veggies, and a thick, buttery potato topping.
4.85 from 19 votes
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42 Taco Bowl

Taco Bowl
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

This quick & simple taco bowl is filled with fresh ingredients and topped with a creamy cilantro dressing. It's a perfect taco twist.
5 from 12 votes
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More Dinner Ideas with Beef

For tonight’s dinner, enjoy a comforting dish. These beef dishes are fabulous favorites!

43 Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

This Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe is simple and flavorful. Served with egg noodles, this creamy stroganoff made in the slow cooker is a classic Sunday dinner recipe and is perfect to enjoy any night of the week.
5 from 21 votes
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44 Beef Empanadas Recipe

Beef Empanadas Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Beef empanadas are crispy, airy tacos made from dough and filled with shredded beef. They are a favorite Mexican dish!
5 from 31 votes
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45 Steak Marinade

Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Our all-time favorite steak marinade requires only four ingredients and makes mouth-watering steak that tastes amazing!
4.97 from 82 votes
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46 Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Hearty slow cooker beef stew is a family favorite that we've enjoyed for years!! Your crock pot does all the work!
5 from 99 votes
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47 Crock Pot Brisket

Crock Pot Brisket
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Try this effortless crock pot brisket recipe for delectably juicy and tender meat that will melt in your mouth.
5 from 304 votes
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48 Mexican Beef Stew Recipe

Mexican Beef Stew Recipe
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This Mexican Beef Stew is a twist on a classic stew recipe. It's hearty, comforting, and filled with vegetables and tender beef.
5 from 19 votes
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49 Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
This delicious beef and broccoli recipe is better than takeout! This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for your next dinner.
4.89 from 17 votes
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50 Fajita Recipe

Fajita Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Make those sizzling restaurant fajitas at home! It may seem intimidating, but this fajita recipe couldn't get any easier.
5 from 17 votes
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51 Flautas

Flautas
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

These crispy beef flautas have been enjoyed for generations – they're fried to perfection and ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
5 from 65 votes
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52 French Dip Sandwich Recipe

French Dip Sandwiches
French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
This low-maintenance French dip sandwich is made with hearty beef and melted provolone cheese on a buttery toasted bun, and dipped in au jus!
4.94 from 15 votes
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53 Crock Pot Pot Roast

Crock Pot Pot Roast
Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

This melt-in-your-mouth crock pot pot roast is tender and flavorful. It takes just 5 minutes of prep before your slow cooker works its magic.
4.99 from 120 votes
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54 Crock Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe

Crock Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Delicious Crock Pot Mongolian Beef loaded with carrots and asparagus is SO simple to make. Your crock pot does all the work!!
5 from 14 votes
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55 Steak Bites Recipe

Steak Bites Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Recipe Video

Succulent steak bites are juicy, tender, and cook up in minutes! Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a meal.
5 from 3 votes
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56 Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Tender, savory crock pot roast with potatoes and carrots takes 15 minutes to prep for easy go-to comfort food and a favorite one-pot meal!
5 from 325 votes
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57 Carne Asada Recipe

Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Make an authentic carne asada recipe right at home! Easily create perfect Mexican-flavored meat to add to tacos, burritos, and more.
5 from 11 votes
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58 Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe

Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Delish Steak and Tortellini Salad is hearty and refreshing. Tortellini, sirloin & romaine in a creamy pesto dressing is a must-have!
5 from 7 votes
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59 Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Steak and Potatoes basted in garlic butter is a rich and flavorful dinner perfect for a special occasion, but easy enough for any night!
5 from 8 votes
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60 Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Total Time: 17 minutes
Hearty and delicious Beef Lo Mein is so simple and has so much flavor! It is filled with saucy chunks of beef, carrots and broccoli!
4.58 from 7 votes
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61 Beef Stew Recipe

Beef Stew Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

This rich and chunky beef stew recipe is layered with flavor and packed with vegetables for a hearty bowlful!
5 from 1 vote
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62 Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

This chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food! It is best served hot and crispy with a creamy coat of rich gravy.
5 from 13 votes
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63 Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Savory instant pot beef stew is filled with chunks of beef and veggies for a quick meal that tastes like it's stewed for hours!!
5 from 2 votes
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64 Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
With only 5 minutes of prep, this beef slow cooker barbacoa is tender, savory, and perfect for filling tacos or burritos!
5 from 1 vote
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65 Easy Prime Rib Recipe

Easy Prime Rib Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

This perfect prime rib recipe is cooked in the oven with a secret trick that gives you the most tender meat ever!
5 from 22 votes
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66 Carne Asada Recipe

Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Make an authentic carne asada recipe right at home! Easily create perfect Mexican-flavored meat to add to tacos, burritos, and more.
5 from 11 votes
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67 Carne Asada Street Tacos

Carne Asada Street Tacos
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Carne asada street tacos are juicy grilled steak loaded in tortillas with all of your favorite toppings – customizable and delicious!
5 from 6 votes
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68 Green Chile Burritos Recipe

Green Chile Burritos Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
The easiest Green Chile Burritos require just a few ingredients, including a seasoned chuck roast and 505 green chile sauce!
4.95 from 38 votes
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FAQs

  • The beef recipes will list what cut of meat to use such as “cubed chuck roast” or strip steak. The recipe may also include alternate cuts that still work well in the recipe.
  • Ground beef is sold according to the percentage of fat that it contains and when making ground beef recipes it may specify which package to use. The following info will help you decide:
    • 25-30% contains the fattiest and is great for dishes that stand alone like burgers or Meatballs. The higher fat content yields a juicy and flavorful dish. This is also the least expensive.
    • 15-20% is great for soups and casseroles, but can also be used for burgers and meatballs. You may be instructed to drain any excess oil after browning the meat.
    • Less than 10% is the leanest. It isn’t always great for stand-alone recipes because it dries out quickly and can lack taste, but works well to add to larger dishes like casseroles and soups.
  1. Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to a cast-iron skillet, or other heavy-bottomed pan and heat it up over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef.
  3. Use a spatula to break the meat up into pieces and let it cook for about 5 minutes before flipping it. Use the spatula to continue to break the meat into pieces. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess oil. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of getting a crispy brown.
  • Seasonings. Add aromatics, like garlic, along with the oil. Then add the meat.
  • Freeze. Cook up a few batches and freeze the browned beef in an airtight container for later can help get dinner on the table on busy days.
  • Many different seasonings and fresh herbs go well with ground beef. Onion and bell peppers are a class addition. It depends on what flavor profile you want to create.
    • Italian beef may include parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
    • Beef tacos would include chili powder, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    • Hamburgers may have a simple Lawry’s seasoning salt or a bit of Worcestershire Sauce.

More Beef Dinner Recipes:

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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