5 Quick and Delicious Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that many home cooks always have on hand. But it's easy to fall into a rut when it comes to preparing this budget-friendly protein. If you find yourself wondering what to do with that package of ground beef in your fridge, you're in luck. This article will walk you through 5 delicious and quick ground beef recipes that can each feed a family of four in 30 minutes or less.

These recipes span global cuisines, from Thai-inspired stir fries to Indian curries to Mediterranean-style sandwiches. Each one has been carefully tested to ensure foolproof results in your own kitchen. Let's dive in and explore some exciting new ways to transform humble ground beef into crave-worthy meals.

Recipe 1: Thai-Inspired Pad Krapow

Our first recipe is a beef version of the popular Thai dish pad krapow (also spelled pad ka prao). This stir fry comes together quickly and packs a flavor punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
• 7 oz (200g) green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
• 3 shallots (about 100g), roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 15g grated ginger
• 15g minced garlic
• 5 oz (150g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 20g Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable)

For the sauce:

• 50g oyster sauce (or 30g hoisin sauce)
• 25g fish sauce
• 25g soy sauce
• 50g beef or chicken stock (or water)
• 25g brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large non-stick pan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil.

2. Add green beans and a pinch of salt. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly charred. Remove to a bowl.

3. Add more oil if needed. Add ground beef and a pinch of salt. Cook, breaking up the meat, for about 5 minutes until browned.

4. Add chopped shallots and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

5. Add ginger and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Add spinach and reserved green beans. Stir to combine and cook until spinach wilts, about 1 minute.

7. Pour sauce around the edges of the wok. Simmer for 30-60 seconds until slightly thickened.

8. Remove from heat and stir in basil leaves.

9. Serve over rice, topped with a fried egg if desired.

This dish delivers bold Thai flavors in a fraction of the time it takes to make pad thai. The combination of salty fish sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic basil creates a complex flavor profile that will transport your taste buds. The crisp-tender green beans add texture, while the wilted spinach boosts the nutritional value.

Recipe 2: Indian-Inspired Keema Curry

Our next recipe takes inspiration from the Indian dish keema, a comforting curry made with ground meat and potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
• 225g onion, medium diced
• 225g potatoes, large diced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 25g tomato paste
• 5g ground cumin
• 5g curry powder
• 3g garam masala
• 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
• 150g frozen peas
• 150g spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add onions and potatoes with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes until partially softened.

2. Remove vegetables to a bowl. Add ground beef and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 5-6 minutes until browned.

3. Add tomato paste and spices. Stir to combine and cook for 30-40 seconds.

4. Return potatoes and onions to the pan. Stir to coat with spices.

5. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and potatoes are tender.

6. Add peas and spinach. Cook for 1 more minute until spinach wilts and peas are heated through.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over rice or with naan bread.

This curry is a comforting blend of textures and flavors. The creamy coconut milk base is complemented by the warm spices, while the potatoes add heartiness. It's a satisfying one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Recipe 3: Spicy Peanut Noodles

Our third recipe combines ground beef with Asian-inspired flavors for a quick and satisfying noodle dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
• 8 oz (225g) Asian wheat noodles (or spaghetti)
• 200g broccolini, chopped
• 125g chili crisp
• 50g soy sauce
• 50g mirin
• 50g water
• 60g unsweetened peanut butter
• 40g hoisin sauce
• Chopped peanuts and sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Stir fry broccolini for 1-2 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove to a bowl.

3. Add ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 5-6 minutes until browned.

4. Add chili crisp and stir to combine.

5. Add soy sauce, mirin, water, peanut butter, and hoisin sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

6. Add cooked noodles and broccolini. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

7. Serve topped with chopped peanuts and sliced scallions.

This dish is a flavor bomb, combining the richness of peanut butter with the heat of chili crisp and the umami of soy sauce and hoisin. The broccolini adds a fresh crunch, while the noodles soak up all the delicious sauce. It's a satisfying meal that comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Recipe 4: Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew

Our fourth recipe takes us to North Africa with a quick Moroccan-inspired beef stew.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
• 225g onion, diced
• 20g garlic, minced
• 15g all-purpose flour
• 20g ras el hanout spice blend
• 35g tomato paste
• 15g beef bouillon base
• 400g beef stock
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 5-10g brown sugar
• 10g fresh cilantro, chopped
• Greek yogurt and couscous for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

2. Add flour and ras el hanout. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add tomato paste, bouillon base, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add chickpeas and brown sugar. Simmer for 2 more minutes.

5. Stir in chopped cilantro.

6. Serve over couscous, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and additional cilantro.

This stew is a quick way to bring the flavors of Morocco to your dinner table. The ras el hanout spice blend provides warmth and depth, while the chickpeas add heartiness. The yogurt topping brings a cool contrast to the warm spices.

Recipe 5: Grilled Gyro-Style Beef

Our final recipe reimagines the classic Greek gyro using ground beef.

Ingredients:

For the meat:

• 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
• 25g breadcrumbs
• 50g onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5g salt
• 2g black pepper
• 3g ground coriander
• 5g ground cumin
• 1g dried oregano
• Pinch of chili flakes

For serving:

• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Pepperoncini

Instructions:

1. Combine all meat ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until well combined and paste-like.

2. Divide mixture into 4 patties, shaping each into an oval about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until well-browned and cooked through.

4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

5. Serve in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and pepperoncini.

This homemade version of gyro meat captures the flavors of the classic Greek sandwich. The combination of spices and the grilling method create a flavorful, slightly crispy exterior that mimics traditional spit-roasted meat. Paired with cool tzatziki and fresh vegetables, it's a satisfying handheld meal.

Conclusion

These five recipes demonstrate the incredible versatility of ground beef. From Asian-inspired stir fries to Mediterranean sandwiches, this humble ingredient can be transformed into a wide array of delicious meals. Each of these dishes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

By keeping a pound of ground beef on hand and stocking your pantry with a few key ingredients, you'll always be prepared to whip up a satisfying meal. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, comforting, or fresh, there's a ground beef recipe here to suit your taste.

Remember, these recipes are just starting points. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking or swap in different vegetables based on what you have available. With a little creativity, that package of ground beef in your fridge can become the foundation for countless delicious meals.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS8yo3JEkoA