What can I make quickly with ground beef?

Ground beef is one of the fastest proteins to cook, so it’s perfect for quick meals. Tacos , burritos , sheet pan nachos , or a simple skillet stir-fry can be ready in under 30 minutes. You can also make quick soups like beef taco soup or whip up cheeseburger sliders when you need something fast. Even a homemade hamburger helper or chili mac can come together on a busy weeknight without much effort.

What meal can I make with just ground beef?

If all you have on hand is ground beef, you can still create a satisfying meal. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then serve it over rice , pasta , or wrapped in tortillas . You can also shape it into patties for simple burgers or make a quick stir-fry by adding frozen veggies from your freezer. Ground beef is so versatile that even on its own, it can become the base for something delicious.

What is the healthiest ground beef option?

The healthiest ground beef option is typically lean or extra lean beef, such as 90/10 or 93/7 blends (that’s lean meat versus fat). These options reduce overall fat and calories while still keeping enough flavor and juiciness for most recipes. Grass-fed beef is also considered healthier because it’s often higher in omega-3 fatty acids and contains fewer additives. No matter which you choose, pairing lean ground beef with lots of vegetables is a great way to make your meals lighter.

What is the best method of cooking ground beef?

The best method depends on the dish you’re making, but generally sautéing in a skillet is the most versatile. Cooking ground beef in a hot pan allows you to break it into crumbles, develop flavor, and control doneness. For burgers or meatballs , grilling or baking works well for sealing in juices. Always drain excess fat if needed and season generously to bring out the best flavor.

What's the healthiest way to eat a hamburger?

To make a hamburger healthier, start with lean ground beef or a mix of beef and veggies (like mushrooms or zucchini). Skip the heavy toppings and load up with lettuce, tomato, avocado, or grilled vegetables instead. Opt for a whole wheat or lettuce bun to cut down on refined carbs. Pairing your burger with a side salad instead of fries also makes a big difference in keeping the meal balanced.

Can I eat ground beef for weight loss?

Yes, ground beef can fit into a weight loss plan when eaten in moderation. Choosing lean ground beef helps reduce calorie and fat intake while still giving you plenty of protein to keep you full. Stick to portion sizes of about 4 ounces per serving and balance your meal with vegetables or whole grains. Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or sautéing without heavy oils also make ground beef healthier for weight loss.

Is eating ground beef every day healthy?

Eating ground beef daily is generally not recommended, especially if it’s higher in fat content. While it’s a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, moderation is key for a balanced diet. Experts often suggest enjoying beef a few times per week and mixing in other proteins like chicken , fish , beans , or lentils . If you do eat it often, opt for leaner cuts and healthier cooking methods.

How to give ground beef more flavor?

Ground beef takes on seasoning really well, so don’t be shy with herbs and spices. Garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning can transform basic beef into something bold and delicious. You can also mix in fresh herbs, soy sauce, Worcestershire, or chili paste for extra depth. Browning beef properly in a hot skillet before adding sauces is another easy way to build rich flavor.

45+ Best Ground Beef Recipes For Every Occasion

Name: Ground Beef Recipes: Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (2 cups); 1/4 cup tomato paste; 3-4 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Description

Discover 45+ best ground beef recipes for every occasion, from classic comfort foods to quick weeknight meals, hearty soups, casseroles, and more. One of our favorite recipes is this Italian Meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
1/4 cup tomato paste
3-4 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into a uniform consistency.
Take 2 spoonfuls of the beef mixture at a time and roll them into meatballs. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or shallow saucepan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until the hot oil sizzles. Slowly add the meatballs and gently stir to cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to stir gently to prevent meatballs from disintegrating. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside (Note that the meatballs are not fully cooked at this point).
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the skillet and bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover the lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Beef
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian