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Ground beef recipes featured image showing seasoned cooked ground beef in cast iron skillet with fresh ingredients

Ground Beef Recipes: 25+ Quick & Easy Family Dinners Under 30 Minutes


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 1x

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

Scale

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