5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals
posted on
September 12, 2024
Ground beef is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. This incredibly versatile protein source is easy to cook and naturally packed with flavor.
Today, we’re sharing five simple ground beef recipes – needing only a few ingredients – that will bring a little flair to your dinner table. From Mexican to Italian to Asian, these recipes will help you whip up quick dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen.
The secret to these delicious recipes? We use grass-fed, grass-finished beef – you’ll taste the difference!
Grass-fed beef is also better for you and the planet. No antibiotics or GMOs means better nutritional quality. Plus, we raise our cattle on regenerative pastures where they’re free to roam. They enjoy happy, healthy lives and nurture the natural ecosystem. It’s a farming method that’s a win-win—for your plate, your body, and the environment.
So, let’s get cooking!
1. Ground Beef Tacos
This speedy, tasty taco dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal–or a weekend taco party!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 Lb grass-fed ground beef
- 8 Taco shells or tortillas
- 1 Cup shredded lettuce
- 1 Cup shredded cheese
- Salsa and guacamole to serve
And, of course, our healthy seasoning (no added sugars or preservatives, and MSG-free):
- 1 TBSP Chili powder
- 1 TBSP Paprika
- 1 TSP Garlic powder
- 1 TSP Cumin
- 2 TSP Salt
And here’s what to do to make this 5 ingredient ground beef recipe:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the dry seasonings over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water (around 2/3 cup) and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- When cooked, grab your taco shells or tortillas and start filling them with ground beef.
- Add the garnishings of your choice. You can add shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheese to each taco. If you’re using salsa and guacamole, add a dollop of each at this point.
- Serve and enjoy while they're warm!
2. Beef and Rice Skillet
Cooking with one pot is great on those busy nights when you just don’t want to do the dishes. With maximum flavor and minimal washing up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
You’ll need the following:
- 1 Lb Ground beef
- 1 Cup Long-grain white rice
- 2 Cups Beef broth
- 1 Cup Frozen peas and carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked – about 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables, broth, and rice. Stir in the rice, beef broth, peas, and diced carrots. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Bring to a boil. After the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Remove the lid, stir, and taste. To ensure everything is just right, taste your creation after a quick mix. If needed, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy. Separate the meal between 4-6 plates and dig in!
3. Beef and Tomato Pasta
This hearty, comforting pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also highly customizable. You can add peas, carrots, peppers–whatever needs to be used in the fridge!
To start, assemble these ingredients:
- 1 Lb Ground beef
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 8 Oz pasta (any shape)
- 1 TSP Paprika
- 1 TSP Garlic powder
- 1 Cup Shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make this:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened – about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the beef and tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir.
- Serve and Enjoy!
4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This paleo-friendly stir fry recipe is rich in meaty, umami flavors. It’s a great choice if you’re craving takeout but want a healthy (and quick) alternative!
You’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 Lb Ground beef
- 1 Small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 Cup shredded carrot
- 2 TBSP Bragg’s Aminos or Soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 TBSP Honey
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Inch Ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve
How to make it.
- Mix ingredients. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked–roughly 6-8 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Pour the soy sauce and honey mixture over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of your chosen rice.
5. Ground Beef and Black Bean Chili
We simply couldn’t share a list of ground beef recipes without including a good ‘ol fashioned chili. This cozy, protein-packed dish is the definition of comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and hearty.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Lb Ground beef
- 1 Can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 Cup Water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve
And our healthy chili seasoning mix:
- 2 TBSP Chili powder
- 2 TSP Ground cumin
- 1 TSP Garlic powder
- 1 TSP Onion powder
- 1 TSP Salt
- ¼ TSP Cayenne pepper
Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the ground beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add in everything else. Toss in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ingredients, and water to the pot. Give it a good stir.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and season. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the chili into bowls, serving with your favorite rice. For an extra touch, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of creamy sour cream!
- Grab a spoon and dive in!
Is Ground Beef Healthy?
Ground beef has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all ground beef is the same. Meat from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has been shown to be lower in nutritional quality.
If you’re concerned about your health, look for grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This type of beef has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and is higher in antioxidants and minerals.
Which Ground Beef Is Best?
100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef is the best home cooking option. It’s incredibly flavorful, nutritionally rich, and better for the environment.
Of course, there are different types of grass-fed ground beef–and that’s where your personal health and wellness goals come in:
- If you’re watching your fat intake, our ground sirloin is the leaner option at 90/10.
- Ground beef is great for everyday meals, and comes in at 85/15.
- Choose gourmet ground beef for show-stopping meals and entertaining, which is about 80/20.
How Long Will Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after cooking, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Ready to taste the difference?
Are you ready to taste the difference that high-quality, grass-fed beef can make in your meals? Order Seven Sons’ ground beef today and elevate your meals.