Oh, let me tell you, easy ground beef recipes are like a secret weapon in my kitchen! They’re incredibly versatile and can save the day when I’m racing against the clock on a busy weeknight. This particular recipe is a go-to for me because it’s quick to whip up—seriously, you can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes! Plus, ground beef is just so comforting and full of flavor. I love the smell of it sizzling away in the pan, and the way it mingles with garlic and onions is pure kitchen magic. Trust me, once you try this simple yet delicious recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, too. Cooking with ground beef is an adventure, and I can’t wait to share this one with you!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean for a healthier option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds that sweet and savory base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (for a juicy, flavorful kick)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (to thicken and deepen the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that classic Italian touch)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (it adds a warm depth that’s just amazing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and rich flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (it brightens up the dish beautifully)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delicious ground beef dish! First things first, grab a large skillet and heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want that oil hot but not smoking—just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Next, add the minced garlic and stir it around for another minute. This is when things really start to come alive! Now, it’s time to introduce the 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, so everything gets evenly cooked.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add in your dried oregano, cumin, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When it’s ready, garnish with fresh parsley, and you’re all set to serve up something fantastic!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Introduce the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly.
- Add oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and flavor!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this delightful ground beef dish! Each serving is packed with about 350 calories, making it a hearty option without going overboard. You’ll find around 20 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat, and a solid 30 grams of protein to keep you full and satisfied. It also contains 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, along with 600 mg of sodium. These values are estimates, of course, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this dish knowing it’s not just tasty but also balanced!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Flavorful Outcome: The combination of garlic, onion, and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Healthy Options Available: Using lean ground beef and fresh ingredients makes this a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice, pasta, or even in a wrap—this recipe adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ground beef dish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always choose quality ground beef; look for lean options with a good balance of fat for flavor without being too greasy. When cooking, keep an eye on your heat level—medium heat is key for sautéing without burning the garlic or onions. And don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. Trust me, these small details make a big difference!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can easily switch up the flavors by adding different herbs and spices. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding oregano and feta cheese, or go with a smoky flavor by incorporating some paprika and chipotle peppers. If you’re in the mood for extra veggies, toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even some spinach for added nutrition and color. The beauty of this dish is that it adapts to whatever you have on hand—so feel free to mix and match! Your imagination is your only limit!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this fabulous ground beef dish, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it over a fluffy bed of rice—the rice soaks up all those delicious juices. You can also toss it with pasta for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. If you want something lighter, a crisp side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the beef. You could even make it into hearty tacos with all your favorite toppings—how fun is that? Whatever you choose, this dish is sure to shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover ground beef is a lifesaver for meal prep! To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through—this helps maintain that delicious flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Easy peasy!
For more information on the benefits of ground beef, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy this taco soup recipe or this ground beef casserole recipe.
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Recipes Ground Beef Easy: 7 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy ground beef recipe for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Try adding bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy ground beef recipes, quick ground beef meals, simple beef dishes