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10 Easy Ground Beef Ideas for Dinner Your Family Will Love

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Learn how to make delicious ground beef ideas for dinner easy. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor, lean for lighter dishes)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings (for that smoky flavor reminiscent of Mama Lu’s kitchen)
  • 1 cup cooked rice or mashed potatoes (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution notes: If you don’t have beef broth, water works fine, but broth adds richness. For a dairy-free option, skip any butter you might want to add later, and swap bacon drippings for oil.

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil or bacon drippings. When the fat shimmers, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent. I always think of how Mama Lu’s kitchen smelled when onions hit the pan—that warm, inviting aroma that meant something good was coming.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Garlic is a humble powerhouse that deepens flavor, and the way it fills the kitchen reminds me of those slow afternoons spent shelling peas on the porch.
  3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart gently with your spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the beef get a bit crispy on the edges—that’s flavor gold, just like Mama Lu knew.
  4. Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly. The spices bring this dish to life, a nod to the few pantry staples Mama Lu always kept on hand.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. This is the kind of slow simmer that fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort, just like those Sunday dinners I remember so well.
  6. Give the mixture a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. At this point, if you want to stretch the dish even further, stir in cooked rice or serve it over mashed potatoes—both ways Mama Lu would have been proud of for feeding a hungry family.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and watch everyone dig in with satisfied smiles.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-ideas-for-dinner-easy/