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Some nights, the goal is simple: get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor—or your sanity. That’s where this ground beef recipe comes in. It’s easy, unfussy, and so good you might just catch yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan (guilty—I had to taste it, right?).
This one’s for the nights when you don’t want a “project”—you just want something comforting, quick, and flexible enough to go with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. And let’s be honest, ground beef does the job like a champ.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Recipe
- Comes together in 20 minutes—faster than delivery
- Made with pantry staples (no fancy stuff here)
- Plays well with rice, pasta, buns, or wraps—your call!
Recipe at a Glance
Kitchen Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: You’ve totally got this
Make Ahead: Yep, and leftovers are a dream
Adaptability: Serve it how you like it—zero rules here
What You’ll Need
The Essentials
- 2.2 pounds ground beef (about 1 kg)
- 1 tablespoon oil (go with what you have—vegetable, olive, even avocado)
Flavor Boosters
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Saucy Situation
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup green onions, for garnish
Prep & Cook
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it gets that perfect golden color—don’t rush this part, it makes all the difference.
- Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds (just until fragrant, not burnt!).
- Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Sauté until browned and cooked through, no pink in sight.
- Mix in the ketchup and mustard, stir well, then toss in the parsley.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Finish with green onions and you’re done!
Secrets From Our Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t skip the mustard—it adds that little something that makes people go “What is that?!” in the best way.
- Want it saucier? Add a splash of broth or even a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Got leftovers? Freeze them in flat zip bags for easy reheating (and way less space in your freezer).
Serving Suggestions
- Classic combo: Spoon it over white rice with a side of veggies.
- Wrap it up: Use it as taco or burrito filling with your favorite toppings.
- Comfort mode: Serve over mashed potatoes with extra parsley on top.
Put Your Spin on It
- Swap parsley for cilantro if that’s more your vibe.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Stir in some frozen peas or corn for a one-pan meal.
Nutrition Notes
Curious about calories or carbs? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.
Tasty Thoughts
If you ask me, every home cook needs a go-to ground beef recipe. This one checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and flexible. It’s not trying to be fancy—it’s just really, really good. And honestly? That’s enough.
Keep this in your weeknight rotation and thank yourself later.
Common Questions
Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Let it cool, pack it up, and freeze flat. Makes for a quick lunch or last-minute dinner win.
What if I don’t have parsley?
No biggie—use cilantro, chives, or skip it altogether.
Can I use lean ground beef or turkey?
Yes, just keep an eye on moisture and adjust seasoning to taste.
Do I have to use ketchup and mustard?
Nope, but they bring the magic. You can use tomato paste and a splash of vinegar instead.
Simple and Tasty Ground Beef: A 20-Minute Dinner Hero
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This one’s for the nights when you don’t want a “project”—you just want something comforting, quick, and flexible enough to go with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. And let’s be honest, ground beef does the job like a champ.
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 2.2 pounds ground beef (about 1 kg)
- 1 tablespoon oil (go with what you have—vegetable, olive, even avocado)
Flavor Boosters
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Saucy Situation
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it gets that perfect golden color—don’t rush this part, it makes all the difference.
Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds (just until fragrant, not burnt!).
Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a wooden spoon.
Sauté until browned and cooked through, no pink in sight.
Mix in the ketchup and mustard, stir well, then toss in the parsley.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Finish with green onions and you’re done!
Notes
- Don’t skip the mustard—it adds that little something that makes people go “What is that?!” in the best way.
- Want it saucier? Add a splash of broth or even a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Got leftovers? Freeze them in flat zip bags for easy reheating (and way less space in your freezer).
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200 g (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keep Cooking With Us
Craving more easy, no-fuss meals? Here are some of our reader favorites:
- Simple Roasted Potatoes – Our go-to sidekick for any meat dish.
- Leek Risotto – Creamy, dreamy, and surprisingly simple.
- Mashed Potatoes with a Twist – Creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up all that saucy ground beef goodness.
Helpful Tools
Cooking ground beef is simple—but the right tools make it even easier (and way less messy). Here are two kitchen helpers we reach for every time:
- Nonstick sauté pan – Makes cleanup easier than ever
- Flexible chopping board set – No mess, just quick prep
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Happy cooking,
🧡 Mary & Fabi
