Description
Quick and versatile ground beef recipes perfect for busy weeknight dinners. These family-friendly meals can be prepared in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 can diced tomatoes
Optional: 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon
4. Cook beef for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink
5. Drain excess fat if needed
6. Add garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
7. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes
8. Add optional ingredients if using (tomatoes, broth)
9. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until flavors blend
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
11. Remove from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes before serving
Notes
Choose 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness
Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary
Let meat develop a good brown crust before stirring
Drain fat for leaner final dish
This base recipe works for tacos, pasta sauce, rice bowls, and more
Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days
Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 75