Busy weeknights can make cooking a meal seem like a big task. That’s why simple beef recipes are perfect. They offer easy dishes that you can make quickly. You can whip up a tasty meal in just 25 minutes with our recipes.
Imagine coming home to a ready beef casserole in about an hour. Or, enjoy a customizable nacho recipe that fits your family’s taste. Our simple beef recipes are made for busy weeknights. They make your life easier with easy dishes and quick ideas.
Our recipes range from classic beef tacos to hearty beef stews. They’re quick, easy, and delicious. We use budget-friendly ingredients and time-saving methods like the Instant Pot. You can make dishes like beef fajitas, beef and broccoli stir-fry, and more. These dishes are nutritious, with about ~451 calories, ~20g fat, ~28g protein, and ~766mg sodium per serving.
Table of Contents
Classic Beef Tacos: Quick and Flavorful
Classic beef tacos are a timeless favorite. They’re quick to make and perfect for busy nights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dinner in no time.
To make these tacos, you’ll need ground beef, taco seasoning, and tortillas. You’ll need 1 lb of ground beef for 4 servings. The beef should be 70-80% lean for the best taste without too much fat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8 white corn tortillas
- ½ cup of oil for frying tortillas
- ½ cup of tomato sauce
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the ground beef in a skillet. Add taco seasoning and stir well. Fry tortillas in oil for 30 seconds on each side.
Fill tortillas with the beef mixture. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Serve hot for a delicious meal.
Beef tacos are loved for their rich flavor and easy prep. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Try them tonight for a flavorful and convenient dish.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 152 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
One-Pan Beef Stroganoff: Comfort in Minutes
One-pan beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s quick and flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to clean up.
This dish is also a healthy choice, with about 476 calories per serving. It has 22g of protein and 3g of fiber. You can make it with beef strips, mushrooms, and egg noodles.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
This recipe is special because it’s simple yet full of flavor. It costs about $4.44 for 4 servings, which is just $1.11 per serving. People love it, with a 4.67 out of 5 rating from 201 votes.
Cooking Tips for Success
To make this dish, cook the beef and mushrooms in a skillet. Then, add the egg noodles and sauce. Don’t add sour cream until after you remove it from heat to avoid curdling.
Cook the noodles until they’re al dente. Serve hot. Follow these tips for a delicious one-pan beef stroganoff.
Here are some key ingredients and their costs:
- Garlic: $0.16
- Butter: $0.22
- Ground beef (1/2 lb.): $2.50
- Mushrooms (8 oz.): $1.49
- Wide egg noodles (8 oz.): $0.60
This recipe is perfect for busy families. It’s quick, easy, and healthy. It’s a great choice for a fast and delicious meal.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 476 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas: Minimal Cleanup
Sheet pan beef fajitas are a top pick for simple beef recipes. They’re quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for those busy weeknights. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prepare this delicious beef recipe, you’ll need a few things. You’ll need 1 pound of flank steak, 3 bell peppers, and 1 onion. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado. The secret is a simple marinade with lime juice and spices.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info for this recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 208 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
This recipe is not only fast and delicious. It also makes cleanup easy, perfect for those hectic weeknights. With its easy ingredients and quick cooking, it’s a recipe you’ll love making again and again.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Healthy Option
A beef and broccoli stir-fry is a top pick for healthy beef recipes. It’s tasty and quick, ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll need beef strips, broccoli, and soy sauce for this easy beef dish.
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound of beef (such as flat iron steak)
- 3-4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
This quick beef meal idea is ideal for a busy weeknight. It’s full of nutrients and can be made fast. The beef and broccoli are cooked in a skillet, served over rice. You can add other veggies like bell peppers or onions to make it your own.
Easy Substitutions for More Variety
Want to try something different? Swap the beef for chicken or tofu, or use different veggies. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This beef and broccoli stir-fry is versatile and quick, making it a great choice for healthy beef recipes.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili: Set It and Forget It
Slow cooker beef chili is a simple and tasty option for a busy weeknight. It’s easy to make and cooks while you’re away. You’ll need ground beef, beans, and tomatoes for this recipe.
The best cooking time is 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. You can add your favorite ingredients like hot sauce or brown sugar. Try using sweet potato or butternut squash instead of meat, or add black beans or pinto beans for a twist.
Ideal Cook Time and Temperature
Cooking time for Slow Cooker Beef Chili is 8 hours on low heat or 1 hour on stovetop. Use 85% lean ground beef. Each serving has about 523 calories, with a nutritional breakdown of:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Sodium | 390mg |
| Potassium | 1443mg |
| Fiber | 13g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Variations for Extra Zing
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar for extra flavor. Try different beans or add diced onions or bell peppers. These simple changes make a delicious homemade beef meal for a busy weeknight.
Beef Quesadillas: Perfect for Leftovers
Beef quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal idea. They’re perfect for using up leftover beef. You’ll need beef strips, tortillas, and cheese to make them.
Making beef quesadillas is fast and simple. Just cook the beef, add tortillas and cheese, and wait until the cheese melts. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
Here are some tips for making the perfect beef quesadillas:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tortillas and shredded cheese.
- Cook the beef until it is browned and crispy, adding flavor to the quesadillas.
- Don’t overfill the quesadillas, as this can make them difficult to cook and can result in a mess.
Beef quesadillas are versatile and can be served in many ways. They’re great as a main dish or a side. They also make a quick and easy lunch or dinner when reheated.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 890 |
| Protein | 51g |
| Fat | 67g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
Savory Beef and Vegetable Soup: A One-Pot Meal
A hearty and delicious option for a busy weeknight is savory beef and vegetable soup. It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. You’ll need beef strips, vegetables, and broth for this recipe.
The recipe from Taste of Home is simple. Cook the beef and vegetables in a pot. Then, add broth and simmer until the flavors meld. This recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. It takes under 2 hours to prepare, with only 15 minutes of prep time.
Here are some key ingredients and cooking times for this recipe:
- 2 pounds of beef, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 5 cups of beef broth
- 6 vegetables, including onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and green peas
- 30 minutes of simmering time for the beef before adding vegetables
- 20 minutes of additional cooking time after adding potatoes and carrots
- 10 minutes of final simmering time after adding green peas
This recipe makes 8 servings, each with 320 kcal. You can also add your own twist by using different vegetables or spices. For a leaner option, use lean ground beef and less oil.
This savory beef and vegetable soup is a great choice for a homemade meal. It’s easy, healthy, and delicious. You can make it your own and enjoy it on a busy weeknight.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef | 2 pounds |
| Beef broth | 5 cups |
| Vegetables | 6 |
| Simmering time | 1 hour |
BBQ Beef Sliders: Great for Gatherings
BBQ beef sliders are perfect for parties or gatherings. They’re easy to make and can be customized. You’ll need beef strips, buns, and BBQ sauce for this recipe.
For a quick meal, use pre-cooked beef. Add cheese, lettuce, and tomato for extra flavor. Here’s how to make the best BBQ beef sliders:
Making the Perfect Slaw
- Use a mix of cabbage, carrots, and onions for crunch.
- Add a tangy dressing like apple cider vinegar or mayonnaise.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Tips for Toasting Your Buns
To toast buns, place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for a few minutes. You can also grill them or use a toaster.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 674 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 57 g |
With these tips and ingredients, you can make delicious BBQ beef sliders. They’re great for parties and are easy to prepare.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers: A Flavorful Twist
Teriyaki beef skewers are a simple beef recipe that’s both healthy and tasty. It’s a fast beef dinner recipe that can be ready in just 20 minutes. Plus, it cooks in 10 minutes, ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
To make this healthy beef recipe, you’ll need 1 lb of beef sirloin, cut into cubes. You’ll also need teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Let the beef marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marinating is even better for more flavor.
Here is a summary of the nutritional information for this recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Protein | 22g |
This simple beef recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a fast beef dinner recipe on a busy weeknight.
Beef and Rice Casserole: Easy and Satisfying
A beef and rice casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s simple to make and can be tailored to your liking. You’ll need beef strips, rice, and canned soup to get started.
Layering ingredients is key to a great homemade beef meal. You can add sliced carrots and cheese for extra flavor and texture. For example, use 1 cup of sliced carrots and 9 slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
Begin by cooking the beef and rice in a skillet. Then, add the canned soup and simmer until the flavors mix well. Next, add the sliced carrots and cheese, stirring until they’re fully incorporated. This creates a rich and satisfying taste.
Storing Leftovers Properly
This recipe makes a lot of food, perfect for storing leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours and then bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
This beef and rice casserole is ideal for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and can be customized. Its rich flavor makes it a favorite in any home. It’s a great way to save time and money while enjoying a healthy meal.
Tips for Quick Beef Cooking: Expert Advice
Preparing delicious beef dishes on busy weeknights is easier with the right techniques and tools. Start by using high-quality ingredients and letting your meat come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
Time-Saving Techniques
For quick cooking, try a quick-sear method or use smaller, bite-sized pieces. Marinating your beef in a flavorful mix of seasonings, acids, and herbs saves time. Also, using your oven’s broiler or a hot skillet can give you a great sear in minutes.
Essential Cooking Tools for Busy Nights
Having the right kitchen tools makes beef cooking faster. A cast-iron skillet is great for searing and sautéing beef quickly. An Instant Pot or slow cooker can also be a big help, cooking tender beef with little effort. Invest in these tools to make quick, easy, and fast beef meals a breeze on busy nights.