When it comes to busy weeknights, cooking a delicious beef dish can seem like an overwhelming task. But fear not, dear home cooks! We’ve got you covered with 20 simple and easy beef recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic comfort foods to international twists, these mouthwatering dishes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of beef, sharing our favorite recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and fresh, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. So grab your apron, preheat your oven or stove, and let’s get cooking!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Elevate your snack game with these savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites, perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and mix until smooth.
4. Add steak cubes to the bowl and toss until coated with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place steak bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Warm up with this comforting slow cooker beef stew recipe, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you want a delicious meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; remove from heat.
2. In the slow cooker, combine browned beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 8-10 hours
– High: 4-6 hours
One-Pan Beef and Broccoli
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, beef broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal with this easy-to-make beef stir-fry recipe, packed with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the beef stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Beef Tacos
In just a few simple steps, you can create delicious beef tacos that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the taco seasoning packet and stir to combine.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto a tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese and any desired toppings.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Mushroom Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet meal that combines tender beef strips with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your choice of seasonings (e.g., paprika, thyme, oregano)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, onion, and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
6. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Beef Meatloaf
A timeless favorite, this classic beef meatloaf recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
4. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quick Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
A flavorful and satisfying snack that can be ready in no time! This recipe combines the richness of beef, cheese, and tortillas for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, and cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on one half of the tortilla.
4. Add the beef mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Beef and Potato Hash
A hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option, this Beef and Potato Hash combines the savory flavors of seared beef and roasted potatoes with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cube steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and toss with the onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the potato mixture to a baking dish and top with the cooked beef.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beefy Mac and Cheese
Get ready for a comforting classic with this simple Beefy Mac and Cheese recipe! This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is packed with tender beef and a hint of smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as needed.
4. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and salt and pepper to taste in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
A flavorful and quick stir-fry recipe that combines the savory taste of beef with the sweetness of bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 large bell peppers, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Simple Beef Stroganoff
Quickly prepare a classic Russian dish with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz sour cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 cup cooked egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve the beef mixture over cooked egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Rice Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, canned diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef Burgers with Secret Sauce
Elevate your burger game with this classic recipe featuring tender beef patties and a tangy secret sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Secret Sauce (see below)
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings
Secret Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon relish
– 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Divide mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly into a patty shape.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble burgers with Secret Sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Black Bean Nachos
Elevate your nacho game with this flavorful combination of tender beef, creamy black beans, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked black beans, warmed
– 1 can (16 oz) black bean and corn enchilada sauce
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in warmed black beans and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
5. Arrange tortillas on a baking sheet, overlapping slightly.
6. Spoon beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A hearty twist on traditional stuffed shells, this recipe combines the rich flavors of beef and spinach with a creamy ricotta filling.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped spinach and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until spinach is wilted.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg.
6. Stuff cooked pasta shells with the beef-spinach mixture, then top each shell with the ricotta mixture.
7. Place stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish; cover with marinara sauce.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until shells are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
A twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, this skillet recipe combines tender beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 medium onions, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
4. Add the garlic and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir to coat with the onion mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and bubbly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
This classic chili recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes and kidney beans. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ground Beef and Peas Curry
This simple yet flavorful curry recipe combines ground beef, peas, and aromatic spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups mixed peas (frozen or fresh)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cook the peas according to package instructions or sauté them with a little oil until tender.
2. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked peas and combine with the ground beef mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Quickly cook tender beef and crisp cabbage in a savory stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
5. Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute, until the flavors are combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your quick and delicious Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry!
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 simple and easy beef recipes! From quick and savory stir-fries to comforting casseroles, we’ve got you covered. Try Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a flavorful and indulgent treat, or Slow Cooker Beef Stew for a hearty and comforting meal. With options like One-Pan Beef and Broccoli, Easy Beef Tacos, and Classic Beef Meatloaf, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re short on time or looking to impress, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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