Welcome to my cozy kitchen! If you’re looking for some easy and comforting ground beef recipes for dinner, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I remember my grandmother making something similar when I was a child, and the smell of garlic and onions sautéing always filled the house with warmth and love. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful meal. Plus, this dish is so forgiving—you can easily adjust it to your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, this recipe is quick, satisfying, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your skillet, and let’s dive into making this comforting ground beef dinner together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish. I’ve made sure to include specific measurements so you can easily gather everything before you start cooking. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen while keeping things simple!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian take. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Enjoy gathering these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner Easy
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! This recipe is all about simple steps that lead to a comforting meal. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a delicious dinner in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is nice and warm, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step creates such a lovely aroma that sets the stage for the whole dish!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show—1 pound of ground beef! Break it apart with your spatula as you add it to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned all over, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left and it looks deliciously crumbly. Just keep stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly!
Step 3: Combine Other Ingredients
Now that the beef is browned, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your taste—maybe you like it a little spicier or with extra herbs! Mix everything well, and let those flavors start to mingle.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want everything to come together beautifully, and it should start to thicken up a bit. You’ll know it’s done when the veggies are tender and the flavors have deepened. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef recipe is not just easy to make; it’s packed with comforting flavors that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-skillet meal for easy clean-up—less mess means more time to relax.
- Comforting, hearty flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Versatile—substitute ingredients based on what you have or your dietary needs.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy dinner for family.
- Great leftovers that taste even better the next day!
It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your ground beef dish turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or some fresh herbs if you have them on hand. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
Also, feel free to swap the frozen mixed vegetables with whatever you have in your fridge. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini can add a nice crunch! And remember, when seasoning, start with a little and add more as you go—that way, you can adjust to your taste.
Lastly, make sure your skillet isn’t overcrowded when browning the beef; this helps it cook evenly and brown nicely. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this comforting ground beef recipe. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about this easy ground beef recipe. I hope they help you feel more confident in your cooking journey!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative and works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can easily substitute with vegetable broth or even water. Just remember to season it a bit more if you’re using water, as broth adds extra flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to toss in any veggies you enjoy! Fresh bell peppers, spinach, or even leftover roasted vegetables can enhance this dish and add more nutrition.
How do I make it gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, just ensure that your beef broth and any other ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free. It’s that easy!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal prep for the week ahead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftovers is super simple! Just let the ground beef mixture cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together!
If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze it. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you can use the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly, or warm it up on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. Enjoy your comforting meal once more!
Serving Suggestions
This comforting ground beef dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce—it’s simply irresistible! You can also enjoy it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. A simple green salad on the side adds a nice crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the beef. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner: 5 Comforting Meals
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and comforting dish featuring ground beef, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is soft.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with bread or over rice.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish.
- Add your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef recipes for dinner easy
