12 Quick Ground Beef Weeknight Meals

Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Skillet

This one-pan wonder combines ground beef, rice, and zesty Tex-Mex flavors for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking method:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
2. Add rice, black beans, tomatoes, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Quick, healthy, and full of flavor, these Asian-inspired wraps are perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 head butter lettuce

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, heat sesame oil and cook garlic until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water chestnuts.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes, then mix in green onions.
5. Serve by spooning beef mixture into lettuce leaves.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Enjoy a takeout classic at home with this simple and speedy beef and broccoli stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess fat.
3. Stir in broccoli, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger.
4. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

Italian Beef and Tomato Pasta

Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with this delicious pasta dish featuring savory ground beef and rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then toss with cooked pasta.
5. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Greek Beef Pitas

These flavorful Greek-inspired pitas are both easy to make and delightful to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons ground oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 pita breads
• Tzatziki sauce

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef with oregano.
2. Assemble each pita by spreading tzatziki sauce, then adding beef, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and feta.
3. Serve immediately.

Beef and Veggie Stuffed Peppers

Bright bell peppers are stuffed with a savory beef and veggie mix for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned, then drain fat.
3. Add zucchini, quinoa, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

A creamy and comforting classic, this beef stroganoff is perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Cooked egg noodles, for serving
• Parsley, chopped

Cooking method:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain any fat.
2. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic, cooking until mushrooms are tender.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
5. Serve over egg noodles and garnish with parsley.

Korean Beef Bowls

Quick and full of flavor, these Korean beef bowls bring a taste of Seoul to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and drain fat.
2. Mix in brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Serve over cooked rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Spicy Beef Tacos

These spicy beef tacos bring a little heat to your dinner table, ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Sour cream

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened.
3. Fill each taco shell with beef, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.

Swedish Meatballs

These tender Swedish meatballs, simmered in a rich gravy, make for a hearty meal that's big on comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, allspice, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into small meatballs and brown in a skillet with butter.
3. Remove meatballs and stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in beef broth, then simmer until thickened.
5. Return meatballs to the skillet and stir in sour cream.
6. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.