Easy and Quick Beef Recipes for Dinner
When I was young, one of the beef commercials I saw said “Beef: It’s what’s for dinner”. And, boy, is that true! We cook a lot of beef in our family: ground beef, stew beef, braised beef, roast beef, beef ribs, beef burgers, and more!
Naturally, we use a lot of different Easy and Quick Beef Recipes for our meals and I’ve gathered some of our family favorites in one place! There are recipes using beef here that you can use for dinner, lunch, snacks, appetizers, and parties!
Quick Beef Recipes:
Having a list of go-to beef recipes is such a help when you’re feeding a family. If you know what you can make ahead of time, you’ll save time on meal planning. Plus, you can take advantage of sales on ground beef, beef tips, or even steak and stock up on meat you’ll use later!
Give some of these quick beef recipes a spot in your monthly meal plan! You’re sure to find some brand new family favorites!
I love having options for simple easy recipes!
Dinner Recipes:
These easy beef recipes make super weeknight dinners, especially when you’re in a hurry to make dinner!
- Try this Asian Beef Noodle Bowl for a quick taste of the East!
- This quick and easy Skillet Goulash is a great first dinner for kids to learn to make on their own!
- Serve some delicious comfort food with this recipe for the Ultimate Creamy Beef Stroganoff!
- This “famous” Kelli’s Spaghetti Recipe is a simple go-to for dinner!
- Start this easy Crockpot Pizza recipe in the morning and have a hot meal by evening!
- Serve this hearty Girl Scout Stew on cold nights!
- This simple Taco Bake Recipe is a fun twist on Taco Tuesday!
- Everyone in the family will love this Fast and Easy Pineapple Beef Stir Fry Recipe.
- Don’t miss out on these 30 Minute Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas!
- I love this Braised Beef Burgundy Recipe!
- These 25+ Beef Stir Fry Recipes are great for a weeknight option!
- Check out these 20 Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes!
Burger Recipes:
Who doesn’t love a great hamburger? Try some of these easy burger recipes!
- Try this recipe to make the Best-Ever Easy Hamburger Patty!
- Combine burgers and coleslaw with these yummy Backyard BBQ Slaw Burgers!
- Make a copycat version of the Hard Rock Fiesta Burger in your backyard!
- Feed the little ones with these mini Emmi Swiss Cheese Sliders!
Ground Beef Recipes:
Prep your meat for these ground beef recipes by cooking this Make-Ahead Ground Beef. Then you’ll be ready to go with these yummy dishes!
- This easy Hamburger Soup in the Slow Cooker is a wonderful dinner for fall evenings!
- Make these Bacon Cheddar Meatballs for a quick appetizer!
- And, speaking of appetizers, this Rotel Dip with Hamburger Meat goes great with tortilla chips!
- Toss some ground beef into this Saucy Beef Chili Recipe for a warm and comforting stew!
- These Busy Day BBQ Meatballs come together in no time with ground beef!
Casserole Recipes:
Casseroles are one of the most awesome dinner creations ever! If you’re trying to feed a hungry family, nothing satisfies like a good casserole. Try one of these beef casserole recipes!
- Give your kids a spin on traditional meatloaf with this Meatloaf Casserole!
- Try a little Tex-Mex in this Beef and Salsa Casserole!
- Do your kids love corn chips? This Frito Pie will be a crowd pleaser!
- Use your trusty pantry staples in this quick End of the Month Casserole!
- Tired of eating the same old tacos? Try this Impossible Taco Pie!
- Turn pasta into a casserole with this recipe for Spaghetti Pie
Meatloaf Recipes:
Does your family love to eat meatloaf? Try these different meatloaf recipes to keep dinner fresh!
- Add a little sweetness with this recipe for Apple Meatloaf!
- This cute heart-shaped Meatloaf is such a “sweet” idea for your loved ones!
- Get your game on with this neat Football Meatloaf!
- Try this delicious and easy Italian Meatloaf with noodles on the side!
- Bake several of these Minnie’s Mini Meatloafs and put them in the freezer for later!
- And get even more meatloaf ideas on this list of Scrumptious Meatloaf Recipes!
More Delicious Beef Recipes:
Ready to whip up even more quick beef recipes for the family? Take a look at these awesome collections!
- Browse this list of over 50 hamburger meat recipes!
- Give a new recipe a chance with this roundup of 20 beef recipes to try!
- Feed your hungry brood with these 35 tasty beef recipes to make the family!
- Do you work during the day? Give yourself a break at dinner time with these easy crockpot beef recipes for working moms!
- Take care of your dinner planning for weeks with lots of ground beef recipes!
Understanding Different Cuts of Beef and Their Uses
Choosing the right cut of beef can make all the difference in your cooking experience and the final flavor of your dish. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal, understanding the various cuts of beef and their best uses is essential. Here are some common cuts of beef and why you might choose each one:
1. Ground Beef
Ground beef is incredibly versatile and a staple in many households. It’s made from trimmings of larger cuts and can vary in fat content. Lean ground beef is great for healthier options like tacos, while higher-fat ground beef is perfect for juicy burgers. Use ground beef in casseroles, meatloaf, or quick skillet dishes for a fast and satisfying meal.
2. Chuck Roast
Chuck roast comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is known for its rich, beefy flavor. This cut is typically tougher, making it perfect for slow cooking methods. Use chuck roast in pot roasts, stews, and braised dishes to achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Chuck roast is also excellent for shredding, making it ideal for pulled beef sandwiches.
3. Ribeye
Ribeye steak is a favorite among beef lovers due to its marbling and flavorful taste. Cut from the rib section, this steak remains tender even when cooked quickly at high heat. Ribeye is perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. Its juicy, rich flavor makes it a standout choice for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge.
4. Sirloin
Sirloin steaks are cut from the back of the cow, near the hip. They are less tender than ribeye but still offer a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Sirloin is typically more affordable and works well for grilling, stir-frying, or broiling. It’s a great choice for weeknight meals when you want something delicious but budget-friendly.
5. Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is renowned for its tenderness and mild flavor. Cut from the tenderloin, it is one of the most expensive cuts of beef. This steak is best cooked using dry-heat methods like grilling or pan-searing to preserve its delicate texture. Filet mignon is perfect for elegant dinners and special celebrations.
6. Brisket
Brisket comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow and is known for its toughness. However, when cooked low and slow, brisket transforms into a succulent, flavorful cut. It is commonly used in barbecue, smoked dishes, and braised recipes. Brisket is ideal for feeding a crowd and makes for delicious leftovers.
7. Flank Steak
Flank steak, a lean cut from the cow’s abdominal muscles, offers a robust beef flavor. Cook it quickly over high heat. Also, flank steak excels when grilled or broiled. Use it in fajitas, stir-fries, and salads. For tenderness, slice it thinly against the grain.
8. Short Ribs
Short ribs are cut from the lower portion of the rib section and are known for their rich, beefy flavor. They contain more connective tissue, making them ideal for slow cooking methods like braising. Short ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking, making them perfect for hearty dishes like stews and braised short ribs.
Understanding these different cuts of beef and their best uses can help you make the most of your cooking. Whether you’re aiming for a quick meal or a slow-cooked masterpiece, knowing which cut to choose will enhance both your culinary experience and the enjoyment of your dishes.
Beef Recipes and Resources:
Use these Amazon affiliate resources to cook delicious beef recipes of your own!
- Taste of Home: Ground Beef Cookbook
- Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel
- Beef Dump Recipes: Easy, Time-Saving Meals
Incorporating quick and easy beef recipes into your meal planning can make a significant difference in reducing stress and saving time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty casserole to feed a hungry family, a flavorful stir-fry for a busy weeknight, or a comforting slow-cooked stew, these recipes have got you covered.
The variety of options ensures that you’ll never get stuck in a dinner rut, and the simplicity of each dish makes them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Take advantage of sales on beef, stock up, and try incorporating some of these delicious recipes into your monthly meal plan.
Not only will you discover new family favorites, but you’ll also enjoy the convenience of having tried-and-true go-to meals at your fingertips.
So next time you’re pondering what’s for dinner, remember—beef’s got you covered!