When it comes to quick and delicious meals, recipes for dinner with ground beef are truly a lifesaver! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this hearty dish after a long day, knowing it’ll be ready in no time. There’s something so comforting about the combination of savory beef, fragrant garlic, and juicy tomatoes that just warms my soul. Plus, it’s a one-skillet wonder, which means less cleanup for me—yay! This recipe is perfect for beginners, as it’s straightforward and requires minimal fuss. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation. So, let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by grabbing a large skillet and placing it on the stove over medium heat. This is where all the magic happens! Allow the pan to warm up for a couple of minutes—this is key for sautéing those veggies nicely without burning them.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your skillet is hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. I love this part—the aroma fills the kitchen and it’s just divine! Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns soft and translucent. Just keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to burn because it can get a bit bitter. If you start to smell burning, pull the pan off the heat for a moment!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the star of the show—your ground beef! Crumble it into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. If you notice a lot of grease pooling in the pan, carefully drain it off to keep your dish from getting too oily.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, the beef broth, dried oregano, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the flavors really start to come together. Bring the mixture to a simmer by increasing the heat slightly; you’ll want to see a few bubbles popping up. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes—this allows everything to blend beautifully!
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
During this simmering time, give the mixture a good stir every now and then. It’s like letting all those flavors party together! You’ll notice the sauce thickening and getting richer in flavor, which is just what we want for our dinner.
Step 6: Combine with Rice
Once your mixture has simmered, it’s time to fold in the cooked rice. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and coated with that yummy sauce. This step is crucial for a well-rounded flavor in every bite!
Step 7: Add Cheese
If you’re feeling cheesy (and who isn’t?), sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the beef and rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on the heat for a few minutes. This will help the cheese melt beautifully. Just picture that gooey, melty goodness!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
All done! Scoop out generous portions and serve warm. You can even garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. This dish is not only comforting but also so satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way!
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: It’s easy to get distracted, but be careful not to overcook the ground beef. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, you’re good to go! Overcooking can make it tough and dry.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper! Seasoning while you cook is key to building flavor. Taste as you go—it’s the best way to know what your dish needs.
- Mind the Garlic: Keep an eye on your garlic while sautéing. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash. If you start to smell something a little too toasty, take it off the heat immediately!
- Feel Free to Customize: This recipe is super versatile! If you have other veggies on hand, like bell peppers or spinach, toss them in when you add the tomatoes. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing your mixture to simmer for those 10 minutes is crucial. It helps all the flavors meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because it’s so good!), let the dish cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a delicious dinner that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this delicious ground beef dinner. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: About 20g
- Fat: Roughly 20g
- Saturated Fat: Around 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Fiber: About 2g
- Sugar: Roughly 4g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Cholesterol: About 70mg
These are just estimates, but hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of the goodness packed into this meal! Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something hearty and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lean ground beef works great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it might produce less grease, so you might not need to drain as much fat. It’s a healthy option that still packs a ton of flavor!
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, no worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth as a substitute. It’ll still taste delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables to the mix?
Yes, yes, yes! Feel free to throw in any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even frozen corn. Just chop them up and toss them in when you add the tomatoes. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition without changing the dish too much.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat your leftovers, I recommend doing it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and you’ll have a tasty meal again in no time!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast!
- Easy Cleanup: Since everything is made in one skillet, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious dinner.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste—this recipe is super flexible!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the comforting flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table for everyone.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings creates a dish that’s rich and hearty, sure to satisfy your cravings.
Recipes for Dinner with Ground Beef: 7 Comforting Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for dinner using ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Mix in the cooked rice and stir until everything is well combined.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef if needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: recipes for dinner with ground beef
