Name: Disgustingly Easy Ground Beef Recipes in 1 Hour
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound pasta

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s talk ground beef! Seriously, is there anything more versatile? Ground beef recipes have saved my sanity on more weeknights than I can count. I mean, when the kids are screaming, and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, ground beef is your best friend. Trust me on this one.

For me, it all started with my grandma’s classic meatloaf (we’ll get to that later!). But over the years, I’ve discovered a ton of easy ground beef recipes that are total winners. We’re talking quick skillet dinners, comforting casseroles, and even some healthier options that don’t sacrifice flavor. These ground beef recipes are all about making delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. So, get ready to find your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Recipes

Seriously, what’s not to love? Ground beef is like the superhero of the kitchen. You can do *so* much with it! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed with these ground beef recipes:

Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Time is precious, right? These recipes are designed to be FAST. We’re talking dinner on the table in under an hour – sometimes even less! Perfect for those crazy weeknights.

Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Meals

Let’s be real, feeding a family can get expensive. Ground beef is a super affordable protein, so you can make delicious, filling meals without breaking the bank. Score!

Family-Approved Ground Beef Dinners

Getting kids to eat anything can feel like a win. Ground beef is usually a safe bet. Plus, these recipes are packed with flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Finally, a dinner everyone agrees on!

Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Recipes

Alright, let’s gather our supplies! You’ll need the basics for pretty much any of these ground beef recipes. First, grab about a pound of ground beef – I usually go for 80/20 ’cause it’s got great flavor, but leaner works too. You’ll also want one medium onion, chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced. Then, snag a big ol’ can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces) and a smaller can of tomato sauce (15 ounces). Don’t forget the spices: oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Oh, and a pound of pasta – spaghetti, penne, whatever you’re feelin’!

How to Prepare Classic Ground Beef Recipes: Step-by-Step

Okay, time to get cookin’! This is how I make my go-to ground beef pasta sauce. It’s super easy, I promise!

Browning the Ground Beef

First, you’ll want to grab a large skillet – cast iron is my fave, but anything works. Crank the heat to medium-high and toss in your pound of ground beef. Now, here’s a trick: don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a HUGE batch, do it in two goes. You want the beef to brown, not steam. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles. Once it’s browned all over, carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy sauce!

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Adding Aromatics and Simmering the Sauce

Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir it around and let it cook for about five minutes, until the onion is soft and see-through and the garlic smells amazing – careful not to burn it! Now, pour in that big can of crushed tomatoes and the can of tomato sauce. Add your dried oregano and basil, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, bring it to a simmer (that means little bubbles, not a crazy boil!), and then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring now and then. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor gets! Taste it and add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar if it needs it.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining

While your sauce is simmering away, get your pasta going. Follow the directions on the package, but here’s my tip: cook it al dente! That means it’s still a little firm to the bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta. Once the pasta’s done, drain it and then just spoon that delicious ground beef sauce right over the top. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can toss the pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Boom! Dinner is served!

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Recipes Every Time

Want to take your ground beef game to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First off, remember what I said about not overcrowding the pan when you’re browning the beef? Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference. Also, using a wooden spoon to break up the beef is key – it just works better than a metal one, trust me.

Another tip: let that sauce simmer, simmer, simmer! The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it gets. And finally, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasonings. Every batch of tomatoes is a little different, so you might need more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance things out. You got this!

Variations on Ground Beef Recipes

Okay, so you’ve got the basic ground beef pasta sauce down. Now it’s time to get creative! The best thing about ground beef recipes is how easy they are to customize. Wanna switch things up? Here are a few of my favorite ways to play around with this recipe:

Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Turn this into a total comfort food casserole! Just cook your pasta a little less (it’ll finish baking), mix it with the ground beef sauce, and then dump it into a baking dish. Top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese (or whatever cheese you love!), and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Mmm, cheesy goodness!

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Spicy Ground Beef Recipe

Feeling a little fiery? Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce while it’s simmering. You could even throw in a chopped jalapeño for some extra zing. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Healthier Ground Beef Option

Want to lighten things up? Use lean ground beef (90/10 is great) and whole wheat pasta. You can also sneak in some extra veggies like chopped spinach or zucchini. Trust me, you won’t even notice they’re there!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Recipes

Got questions about working with ground beef? I got you! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about ground beef recipes:

Can I freeze ground beef sauce? Absolutely! Ground beef sauce freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, or if you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave (just be sure to stir it often!).

What’s the best way to thaw ground beef? Okay, this is important: never, ever thaw ground beef on the counter! The safest way is to thaw it in the fridge. It takes a while (usually a day or so), but it keeps the beef at a safe temperature. If you need it faster, you can thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cook it right away after thawing it that way.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Sure thing! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It’s a little leaner, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the skillet when you’re browning it. Also, ground turkey has a slightly different flavor than ground beef, but it’s still delicious in these recipes!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Recipes

So, you’ve got your amazing ground beef creation ready to go – what do you serve with it? Garlic bread is always a winner, right? A simple side salad with a vinaigrette is also fantastic. Or, if you’re trying to be healthy (good for you!), some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are a perfect complement. Yum!

Nutritional Information for Ground Beef Recipes

Okay, just a heads-up: I’m no nutritionist! The nutritional info can vary a LOT depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so take any numbers with a grain of salt, okay?

Ready to Cook Delicious Ground Beef Recipes?

Alright, now it’s your turn! Go on and give these ground beef recipes a try. And hey, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think – and give it a rating, too!

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