Here are easy, versatile ways to cook ground beef plus a simple base recipe you can use for tons of meals 🥩
Basic Seasoned Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp oil (if beef is lean)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and break it up with a spoon.
- Cook 7–10 minutes until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and stir well.
Popular Flavor Variations
Taco-Style
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano
- Stir in a splash of water and simmer 5 minutes
Italian
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, onion
- Finish with marinara sauce
Asian-Inspired
- Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic
- Finish with green onions and sesame oil
Burger-Style
- Season simply with salt & pepper
- Use for patties, melts, or chopped burgers
Quick Meal Ideas
- Tacos or burritos
- Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Shepherd’s pie
- Stuffed peppers
- Sloppy joes
- Chili or goulash
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps browning.
- Season after browning for best flavor.
- Use 80/20 beef for juiciness, 90/10 for leaner dishes.
If you want, tell me what you’re making (skillet meal, casserole, soup, tacos, etc.) and I’ll give you a specific ground beef recipe.
