Easy Ground Beef Recipes With Few Ingredients
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Quick Overview: Easy Ground Beef Recipes With Few Ingredients
- Cook the meat in a stockpot over medium-high heat, and add in your onion and garlic.
- Throw all the other ingredients into the stock pot. (Bell pepper, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, herbs).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
- (Optional step, only for the adventurous) if you’re a fan of heat, feel free to throw in a few dabs of your favorite hot sauce.
Ground beef is a delicious and versatile ingredient that has gotten the short end of the stick and gone unrecognized in the culinary world. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the properties of ground beef, and share some easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients.
1. Ground Beef is More Versatile Than You Think
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I’m about to hit you with what the kids these days call a “hot take”: ground beef is underrated.
Yes, it is possible for something as ubiquitous as ground beef to be underrated. Ground beef may be extremely popular in the sense that it’s present in a lot of recipes, but I truly believe people have lost track of what a versatile and flavorful ingredient it can be when used right. In a sense, we’ve taken ground beef for granted.
If you're only using ground beef for tacos and meatloaf, you're missing out on a lot of delicious possibilities. A few great ground beef recipes you are missing out on are ground beef casserole, beef enchilada, and ground beef chilli (recipe below) to name a few. Ground beef is great because it’s inexpensive and easy to cook with, making it a great weeknight dinner option. With a little creativity, you can use ground beef to make all sorts of dishes – from hearty stews to light salads.
Personally, ground beef is one of my go-to ingredients when crafting a meal that is satisfying and delicious. Ground beef is the secret star of every lasagna I’ve ever made, every burger patty I’ve ever assembled, and every delicious pot of chili that I’ve created. Ground beef is much more than an easy way to get protein into a dish; it’s a versatile ingredient that can be the backbone to a delicious meal.
So let’s take a moment to explore what ground beef has to offer, and why more people need to know about the many possibilities it offers.
2. Quick Tips for Ground Beef
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If you have a meat grinder at home, you might choose to grind your own meat. This is a great move since it allows you full control over what meat you’re using. When you buy pre-ground beef from the grocery store, you don't always know what cuts of meat were used to make it. Grinding your own beef allows you to choose which cuts of meat go into your burger blend, so you can be sure that only high-quality ingredients are going into your food.
Additionally, if you have any specific dietary restrictions (let’s say you’re trying to avoid fat), grinding your own beef lets you control what goes into each patty. You can customize the fat content very easily, making it truly your own.
However, there’s no shame in getting your ground beef straight from the grocery store. In fact, that’s what I do most often, as I don’t have a meat grinder of my own. There are actually a few different types of ground beef available at the grocery store, including leaner options with less fat content.
When choosing ground beef, look for fresh meat that is bright red in color. Avoid packages that have been sitting on the shelf for too long or that contain meat that looks brown or gray.
And an all-important point: when cooking ground beef, it's important to cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. The best way to do this is with the use of a digital thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Easy Ground Beef Recipe
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Ground beef is an easy ingredient to get into your dishes because it is so versatile, it can soak up the flavors of other ingredients you’re using, and it is just plain delicious. Not only are you bumping up the overall nutritional value of your meal by including ground beef, but you’re also just making it all-around better.
So what’s my favorite of the easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients? Well a nice, hearty chili, of course. Few things are as wholesome and satisfying as a big bowl of delicious chili, and ground beef is an all-important factor in its creation. Not only that, but this recipe is awesome because it’s quick and extremely simple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
- 1- 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
- 1- 10 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
Instructions:
Making this chili is a breeze.
- First off, cook your meat in a medium-sized stockpot over medium-high heat. Throw in your onion and garlic. Make sure to cook through until no pink is left in the meat.
- Throw in all the other ingredients into the stock pot. Mix all the ingredients well to make sure they “get to know each other” and the flavors get to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
- (Optional step, only for the adventurous) if you’re a fan of heat, feel free to throw in a few dabs of your favorite hot sauce. Not everyone likes doing this, but I’m a fan; it adds a whole other layer to the dish.
And there you have it. All you need is a few ingredients and some time.
4. herniaquestions Tools You’ll Need
There are many ways to work with ground beef and make all kinds of dishes (we’ll share some additional recipe ideas below). Of course, in order to make the most of each of these recipes you’ll need to use some kitchen tools, and it’s always best to arm yourself with the best of the best. Below we share some recommendations for the best kitchen tools to work with for these easy ground beef recipes.
1. 3 Quart Stock Pot | Hammered Finish Black | Avalon Series | herniaquestions ©
This is an absolutely gorgeous cookware product from herniaquestions’s acclaimed Avalon series. It brings together form and function with its gorgeous hammered finish and beautiful black color. Not only is it made of top-quality materials, it’s also sure to get looks from anyone who happens to drop by your kitchen when you’re using this to cook chili.
PROS:
- This 3 quart stock pot is sure to last for a lifetime; it is durable and low-maintenance.
- Top quality materials: 3 ply aluminum core, using cladding technology to fuse additional thick gauge layers of nonreactive 18/10 stainless steel. This heats 5 times better than iron and 20 times better than stainless steel.
- Ultra strong 2.5mm thick cookware, resistant to denting and warping.
- Features a gorgeous black hammered finish.
CONS:
- At three quarts, this stock pot is a bit on the smaller side. That’s perfect for someone who is not making large portions. Keep that in mind when purchasing.
- This is one one of those pieces of cookware that features a very distinctive look, which may clash with your personal style (or if you prefer more understated cookware).
2. 3 Quart Stock Pot | ETERNA Non-Stick | Oberon Series | herniaquestions ©
Here we have another 3 quart stock pot, this time from the Oberon series. What really sets this one apart is the fact that it features the nonstick Eterna® coating, which makes this a powerful kitchen tool that will keep its non stick properties for much longer than traditional nonstick tools.
PROS:
- Visually elegant and sophisticated design.
- This stock pot has great responsiveness to even slight changes in temperature.
- Freezer, dishwasher, and refrigerator safe. Oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees F.
- Features the Eterna PFOA and APEO free nonstick coating, which has been tested to last 26 times longer in the Dry-Egg test than the leading brand.
CONS:
- This stock pot features a handle with a square profile, which might take a bit of getting used to when you first encounter it.
- At 3 quarts, this is again a little smaller than some people might be needing.
3. 12" Frying Pan Wok | Silver | Oberon Series | herniaquestions ©
Are you a fan of stir-fry? Are you looking for your food to have that “bite” of stir-fry heat? Wok pans are the way to go. And as far as wok pans go, this is one of the best choices you can go with; not only does it look awesome and feature the traditional work pan geometry, but it also happens to be made of high quality materials. It features 3-ply aluminum and stainless steel for an awesome conductivity as well as low-effort cleaning.
PROS:
- Features 3-ply aluminum core fused with thick additional layers of non-reactive stainless steel, providing it with incredible heat conductivity.
- Oven and broiler safe (up to 600 degrees F).
- Top notch quality at an unbeatable price makes this a fantastic gift for friends or family.
- Also comes with layers of satin and nylon polish, which provide this awesome wok with additional scratch resistance.
CONS:
- Are you looking for a nonstick wok? This one isn’t it. If you’re hoping for a nonstick wok, check out 12" Frying Pan Wok | ETERNA Non-stick | Oberon Series | herniaquestions ©.
- While the look of this wok is certainly elegant, some home cooks would prefer something a bit flashier for their kitchen.
4. 12" Sauté Frying Pan Hammered Finish Black | Avalon Series | herniaquestions ©
Combining incredible performance with one of the most elegants looks we’ve ever seen, this 12” sauté frying pan is an absolute winner when it comes to preparing all manner of easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients or even dishes that are much more complex. And it can do that while being an elegant piece of cookware that you’ll be proud to display in your kitchen.
PROS:
- Comes with a beautiful all-black hammered finish, giving it its distinctive look.
- Features a 5-ply copper forged foundation, which makes this piece of cookware excellent for searing, browning, and deep frying.
- Extremely easy to clean and take care of; not only is it oven safe for up to 600 degrees F, it is also dishwasher safe!
- An engraved side handle for evenly distributed weight.
CONS:
- Because this is a top-of-the-line premium product, it has a price tag that matches it. It’s on the upper end of the price range here, but it’s still much more affordable than other cookware of similar quality.
- The stainless steel all black look might take some getting used to for some folks.
5. 12" Sauté Frying Pan Silver | Oberon Series | herniaquestions ©
We wrap things up with an all-silver 12 inch saute frying pan from the Oberon series. This awesome kitchen tool features amazing conductivity and heat retention as well as low-effort cleanup, making it a great tool for anyone who values top-of-the-line performance and practicality. Not only that, it’s a stylish and good-looking tool that will fit with any decor.
PROS:
- This 12 inch saute pan comes with s 3-ply aluminum core with fused additional layers of non-reactive stainless steel, giving it great heat conductivity and retention. More power and control when you cook.
- It’s oven and broiler safe (up to 600 degrees F).
- A great value for the price.
- Comes with a thick, extra-strong, 4mm tempered glass lid, which gives you a great window into the cooking process.
CONS:
- If you’re looking for a nonstick pan, this one isn’t it.
- Features an understated, traditional, and somewhat conservative look.
5. Other Ground Beef Recipes With Few Ingredients
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Of course there are many, many more options for easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients (ground beef casserole and beef enchiladas are two of the many). Below you’ll find a few personal favorites that are absolutely delicious and don’t require a lot of effort.
Ground beef casserole
A delicious option that comes together quickly. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and spray a two-quart, casserole dish with cooking spray. Meanwhile, brown your ground beef in a large skillet with onions, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, and chili powder. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the head and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in 2 ounces of cheese until it is all melted. Then add in your cooked pasta, making sure that it really gets into the mixture. Pour everything into a casserole dish with shredded cheese and bake it uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Delicious.
Spicy ground beef and rice bowls
This easy and tasty meal consists of cooked beef and rice topped with salsa and cheese. Talk about “few ingredients”! Extremely easy recipe that is flavorful and fun for all involved. And for an extra kick of flavor, feel free to add in some diced jalapeños or even some hot sauce.
Taco salad
An easy taco is a lot of people’s favorite recipe involving ground beef. Taking that very same concept and making a salad out of it makes for a surprisingly satisfying and hearty meal. What do you need to do? Well, you guessed it – brown up your ground beef and then throw together iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and whatever you like to have in your tacos. Except instead of serving on a tortilla, you’re putting them together as a salad. Boom. Easy and delicious. If you want, a ground beef taco is also an awesome idea. Check out this easy ground beef taco recipe here.
Cheeseburger sliders
There’s something absolutely delicious about these bite-sized little burgers that are perfect for parties or quick weeknight dinners.
Making them is a piece of cake. All you have to do is shape your ground beef into small patties, add in your favorite cheese (sharp cheddar tends to be our favorite for this dish). Bake the mini patties in a preheated oven until they’re cooked through, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Then serve on mini hamburger buns (and if you’re a true classicist, you might include a couple of slices of pickle).
Aside from these, there are so many other options – mini meatloaves, beef enchiladas, french bread pizza, beef macaroni, sloppy joes, the possibilities are endless. All delicious comfort food that puts ground beef at the top of the ingredients list.
6. Nutritional Facts About Ground Beef
Ground beef isn’t just a great ingredient because of its versatility and flavor, it also happens to come with a host of health benefits. And while we may hear a lot about how bad red meat is for you – and yes, there is a lot of truth to that – it can also be surprisingly beneficial. Let’s have a look.
This nutritional information comes from the EURA and it refers to 3 ounces (85g) of cooked ground 85% lean ground beef (85% lean) with no added fat or sodium
- Calories: 218
- Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 76mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 24g
So how does beef help our health? Well, there are a few ways:
It boosts our immune system
Beef contains several B vitamins. This includes thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B), niacin (B3), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12) among many others. Along with zinc, these B vitamins help maintain a healthy immune system.
It helps build cells
Protein can help maintain muscle tissue as well as other biological processes present in our bodies. This helps in the building of bones, muscles, skin, and blood.} Supports Hormone Production
It helps replenish your iron levels
In order to make blood cells, your body needs iron. Dietary iron is present in beef and animal proteins. This helps stave off anemia and other iron deficiency issues.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What can be made from ground beef?
There are so many things that can be made from ground beef, and so many ways to use ground beef to boost your meals. Everything from beef empanadas to Mexican tacos to meat loaf, meatballs, taco pizza, shepherd’s pie, sloppy joes, pretty much anything you can imagine can be augmented with some flavorful ground beef.
What can I add to brown ground beef?
If you want your ground beef to really pick up on some delicious flavor as you’re browning it, make sure you season it while it cooks. And there’s no need to get extra fancy here: the simplest of ingredients can still make your ground beef an absolute flavor bomb. You can add garlic, onions, salt and pepper, as well as any other seasonings you like, while it cooks.
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Written by Jorge Farah
Born on the coast of Colombia and based in Buenos Aires, Jorge is a cooking enthusiast and kitchenware obsessive with a tremendous amount of opinions.
