Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens due to its versatility and affordability. When you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple, easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients are a lifesaver. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these simple meals make cooking enjoyable without overwhelming you with a long list of ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore several delicious ground beef recipes that require just a few items from your pantry.
Why Choose Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients?
Keeping recipes simple with only a few ingredients helps save both time and money. It also makes meal planning easier because you can rely on common pantry staples to create quick and flavorful dishes. Recipes like these are perfect for those who want to prepare meals without spending too much time shopping or cooking.
For more ideas that focus on simple, low-carb meals, check out these low-carb ground beef recipes that offer a variety of tasty and healthy options using minimal ingredients.
Top 5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients
Here are five delicious, easy ground beef recipes that you can make with five ingredients or fewer. These meals are quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
1. Easy 5-Ingredient Chili
This hearty chili recipe is a go-to for cold nights or when you need something filling. All you need are ground beef, canned beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and onions. Sauté the onions and ground beef until browned, add the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer. It’s that simple!
2. Ground Beef and Rice
A simple one-pan meal, this dish combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and onions. It’s an easy, filling option for busy nights and makes great leftovers for the next day. For those following a healthier lifestyle, check out these healthy low-carb slow cooker recipes that also use minimal ingredients but pack a flavorful punch.
3. Sour Cream Burgers
Upgrade your burgers with just a few extra ingredients—mix sour cream and onion soup mix into your ground beef before forming patties. The sour cream adds moisture and flavor, while the onion soup mix provides the seasoning. Grill or pan-fry for a quick and delicious dinner.
4. 5-Ingredient Taco Soup
This taco soup comes together in no time with only ground beef, taco seasoning, canned corn, beans, and diced tomatoes. Brown the ground beef, then add the other ingredients and simmer until heated through. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
5. Hamburger Hash
A classic, budget-friendly recipe, hamburger hash uses ground beef, diced potatoes, onions, and a few spices for a one-pan dinner that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated throughout the week.
Meal Prep with Ground Beef Recipes
Using ground beef for meal prep is an excellent way to save time and reduce stress during the week. These recipes are ideal for making in large batches and storing in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.
1. Ground Beef Burrito Bowls
Prepare these simple burrito bowls by cooking ground beef with taco seasoning and serving it over rice with black beans and corn. Store the components separately, and you’ll have a quick and easy lunch or dinner option all week.
2. Baked Beef Meatballs
With just ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, you can bake a batch of meatballs that freeze well for future meals. Pair them with marinara sauce or serve over pasta for a quick dinner.
For more easy crock-pot meals that require few ingredients, take a look at these 3-ingredient low-carb crock-pot recipes, perfect for bulk cooking.
Comforting Ground Beef Recipes with Minimal Ingredients
Sometimes you need a comforting meal that’s easy to make. These recipes require only a few ingredients but deliver big on flavor.
1. Basic Baked Spaghetti
This easy baked spaghetti is a family favorite, using just ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. Layer everything together, bake, and you have a filling, comforting dinner.
2. Savory Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tots, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese come together for this comforting casserole. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to assemble and always a hit with the family.
3. Shipwreck Stew
Shipwreck Stew is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, potatoes, canned tomatoes, and carrots. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor.
One-Pot and One-Pan Ground Beef Recipes
Cooking everything in one pot or one pan not only saves time but also makes cleanup easier. These simple ground beef recipes require minimal ingredients and dishes, perfect for busy nights.
1. Beef and Rice Skillet
This one-pan meal is a favorite for many families, combining ground beef, rice, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It’s quick to make and can be customized with different veggies or spices based on what you have in your pantry.
2. Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac
With just ground beef, elbow pasta, and pesto sauce, this dish is a quick, flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese. It’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something satisfying.
For more ideas on healthy one-pot meals, these low-carb air fryer recipes offer additional options for easy cooking with fewer ingredients.
Healthy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients
If you’re looking for healthy ground beef recipes, these simple dishes will help you keep things light while still enjoying delicious flavors.
1. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, use crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. Sauté the ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then serve it in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and cucumber for a fresh, light meal.
2. Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry
This quick stir-fry uses ground beef, zucchini, and minimal seasoning for a healthy dinner that’s easy to make. The dish is low in carbs but full of flavor, making it ideal for those looking to eat lighter without sacrificing taste.
3. Basic Beef Patties
Sometimes simple is best. Form ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry and serve with a side salad for a healthy, satisfying meal.
FAQs on Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients
What can I make with ground beef and only a few ingredients?
You can make dishes like chili, tacos, burgers, casseroles, and one-pot meals with just a few ingredients. For more inspiration, explore these easy ground beef dinner ideas.
Can I freeze ground beef dishes with few ingredients?
Yes, many simple ground beef dishes like chili, tacos, and meatballs freeze well. Simply store in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the easiest way to cook ground beef?
The easiest way to cook ground beef is by browning it in a skillet. Simply heat the pan, add the ground beef, break it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.
How do I make ground beef healthier with few ingredients?
Opt for lean ground beef and add vegetables like zucchini or lettuce to bulk up the meal. Avoid using too many processed ingredients and season with herbs and spices for flavor without added calories.
Conclusion
Ground beef is a flexible and easy-to-cook ingredient that works in a wide variety of recipes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or doing some meal prep for the week, these easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients will help you create flavorful, satisfying meals with minimal effort. For more ideas, check out the ultimate guide to delicious ground beef recipes and start experimenting in your kitchen today!