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Easy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

Discover 12 easy and delicious ground beef dinner ideas, from hearty casseroles to one-pan skillet meals, perfect for fast, family-friendly weeknight cooking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, International
Calories: 315

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1-2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Various seasonings (specific to each recipe) Dependent on the chosen recipe.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all ingredients and tools needed. Dice vegetables, measure spices, and ensure your ground beef is thawed if frozen.
Browning the Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking. Brown until no pink remains, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Add onions and garlic to the browned beef. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients
  1. Add recipe-specific seasonings and ingredients. Simmer according to individual recipe instructions, usually 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Store cooked ground beef dishes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Most recipes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.