Ready in minutes, this ground beef dinner is simple and tasty and perfect for busy nights.
introduction
This Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner cooks fast and uses few ingredients. It is great when you have little time but want a warm meal. If you like quick noodle dishes, try a similar idea like Easy Mongolian ground beef noodles for another fast option.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you need dinner in a hurry. It uses common pantry items and tastes good with pasta or rice. It is cheap and filling. For other fast ground beef bowls, see Quick Korean ground beef bowl ideas.
how to make Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner
This is a fast skillet meal. Follow the simple steps below.
Ingredients : 1 lb ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, taco seasoning, cooked pasta or rice
Directions : In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
Stir in canned tomatoes and taco seasoning.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve over cooked pasta or rice.
For ideas on other quick high-protein dinners you can pair with this, check easy fall high-protein ideas.
how to serve Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner
Serve this over hot cooked pasta or steamed rice. Top with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime. For a baked option, spoon the mix over rice, add cheese, and bake until melted, similar to a cheesy ground beef and broccoli casserole style finish.
how to store Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner
Cool the leftover beef mix to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. You can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner
- Use lean ground beef to cut grease and cook faster.
- Drain excess fat if needed to keep the sauce light.
- Cook the onions and peppers until soft for better taste.
- Use pre-cooked rice or pasta to save time.
- Try swapping taco seasoning with your favorite spice mix. For other easy dinner swaps, try easy crack chicken tenders for a different main.
variation (if any)
- Make it Mexican style: add corn, black beans, and cilantro.
- Add cheese and bake for a casserole dish.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Stir in cooked vegetables like peas or spinach for more greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: Yes. Thaw it first or cook from frozen but allow extra time and break it up well.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: No. The taco seasoning may add mild spice. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and follow the same steps.
Q: How long does it really take?
A: Active cook time is about 5 minutes after the beef is hot and starting to brown. Total time with prep may be 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I add leftover vegetables?
A: Yes. Leftover cooked or raw diced vegetables work well.
Conclusion
This meal is a quick, flexible choice when you need dinner fast, and you can learn more simple ground beef ideas from resources like 16 Ground Beef Recipes You Can Make With 6 Ingredients or Less. If you want a one-pan comfort dish with potatoes, see Quick Ground Beef + Potatoes (1-Pan!) – Real Food Whole Life. For a different flavor profile, try a simple ginger and garlic ground beef recipe such as 5-Ingredient Ginger Garlic Ground Beef Recipe. For a classic gravy-style meal, check Ground Beef and Gravy – The Country Cook. And if you want other quick dinner ideas, browse 15 Ground Beef Dinners That Are Ready in 30 Minutes or Less.
Easy 5-Minute Ground Beef Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to cut grease.
- 1 cup diced onions Cook until softened.
- 1 cup bell peppers Cook until softened.
- 1 can canned tomatoes Choose diced or crushed.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Swap with your favorite spice mix if desired.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste garlic powder
- 4 cups cooked pasta or rice Use pre-cooked to save time.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and taco seasoning.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice.