Description
Ground Beef has always been a staple in my kitchen, not just for its versatility but for the memories it brings to the table. I grew up in a busy household where dinner needed to be quick, comforting, and filling—and more often than not, that meant something made with ground beef. Whether it was my dad’s famous chili simmering on the stove during football season or the sizzling sound of taco meat on a Friday night, ground beef was the star of so many family moments.
Ingredients
Beef Tacos
Beef tacos are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a fun and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
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- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder)
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- 8 small taco shells (hard or soft)
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- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Instructions:
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- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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- Prepare the Toppings: While the beef cooks, prepare your taco toppings. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and gather any other toppings you’d like to use.
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- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions. Fill each shell with the seasoned ground beef and top with your favorite toppings.
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- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Instructions
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless Italian-inspired dish that combines ground beef with a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s a family favorite that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti among plates and top with the Bolognese sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with garlic bread or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Meat
- Method: Pan
- Cuisine: Italian