Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t demand a lot of time or fancy ingredients. This simple stove top ground beef dinner is exactly that—quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up after a long day and still have time to breathe before sitting down to eat.
I remember the first time I made this. The kitchen smelled like a cozy little diner, with the onion and garlic sizzling away, filling the air with comfort. I was half-distracted by the phone buzzing nearby, nudging me to check messages, but I just kept stirring the pan, watching the beef brown and the sauce thicken. It wasn’t perfect timing—I think I left it on a bit longer than needed—but that slight char only added a little extra something. Dinner wasn’t just food that night; it was a small, quiet moment of normalcy in a hectic week.
- It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a practical choice when time is tight.
- The seasoned beef offers a rich, homey flavor that pairs well with almost anything, though it’s simple enough to let your sides shine.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or rare spices, just honest cooking.
- You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, which means it’s flexible but not fiddly.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen—this meal is forgiving, and you can’t really mess it up. It’s a reliable choice when you want something filling without the stress. Plus, leftovers store well for a few days, making it a good candidate for meal prep if you’re planning ahead.
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Simple Stove Top Ground Beef Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy stove top ground beef dinner that’s perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe features seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, ready to be served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Cook the beef until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
Add the tomato paste and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove from heat and serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
When cooking this, a good sturdy skillet makes all the difference; nothing fancy, just something that gets the job done evenly. I usually serve it with steamed veggies or a simple salad to keep things balanced, but it’s also great spooned over rice or tucked into a warm pita if you want to mix it up. Sometimes I toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, or swap out the oregano for some fresh herbs when they’re on hand, though I haven’t tested all the variations yet.
FAQ
Can I use lean ground beef? Yes, lean works fine though it might be a bit drier. You can add a splash more broth if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version? I haven’t tried it myself, but swapping ground beef for plant-based crumbles and adjusting seasoning could work.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating until hot all the way through.
Ready to turn a busy night into a cozy dinner moment? Give this simple stove top ground beef dinner a try and see how easy comfort food can be.