If you’re searching for a quick and delicious recipe with hamburger meat, you’ve come to the right place! Hamburger meat recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, offering endless possibilities for easy and flavorful meals. Whether you’re craving a juicy homemade burger, a hearty one-pan skillet meal, or a zesty taco filling, ground beef is a go-to ingredient that delivers both taste and convenience.
In this post, we’ll explore 7 easy and delicious recipes with hamburger meat that are simple to make and packed with flavor. These dishes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for the family or just want a satisfying meal in minutes. So, let’s dive in and start cooking!
Quick and Easy One-Pan Skillet Meals
If you’re looking to expand your skillet meal ideas, check out this One-Pan Skillet Meals Recipe Collection from Food Network, featuring simple and delicious recipes for busy nights.
Beef and Pasta Skillet – A One-Pan Comfort Meal
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pasta Skillet
A Beef and Pasta Skillet is the perfect meal when you need something quick, hearty, and packed with flavor. This one-pan dish combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Beef and Pasta Skillet
To create this delicious and comforting dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow for extra flavor)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work best)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease, then add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add the Sauce and Seasonings
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta in the Skillet
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
4. Add the Cheese and Serve
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Cover for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Beef and Pasta Skillet Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Garlic Butter Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of garlic butter before serving for a rich, savory taste.
Creamy Version: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamy tomato sauce.
Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef and Pasta Skillet
Use a deep skillet to allow enough room for the pasta to cook evenly.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with red wine for a bold depth of taste.
Make it a complete meal by pairing it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
A Beef and Pasta Skillet is the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and deliciousness. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Try this tonight and enjoy a flavor-packed dinner that everyone will love!
Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Comfort Classic
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet
When you need a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal, this Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet is the perfect solution! It’s a one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, savory tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese. The best part? It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This dish is a family favorite because it’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet
To make this easy and delicious one-pan meal, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a little warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and smokiness)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain works best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional, for sweetness and texture)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional, for extra protein and fiber)
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions turn soft and fragrant.
2. Add Seasonings and Base Ingredients
- Stir in salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring well to combine.
3. Cook the Rice in the Skillet
- Add the uncooked rice and mix everything together.
- Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of water or broth as needed.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
- Once the rice is tender, stir in corn and black beans (if using).
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Cover for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tasty Variations to Try
Extra Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before adding the shredded cheese for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to bring some heat.
Different Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrition.
Veggie-Packed: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a nutrient boost.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet
Use a large skillet to prevent overflow as the rice expands while cooking.
Let the rice absorb flavors by keeping the lid on and stirring occasionally.
For extra cheesy goodness, mix some cheese into the skillet before topping it.
Make it ahead – This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
This Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet is the ultimate comfort food – cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor! With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a new family favorite!
Taco Skillet – A One-Pan Tex-Mex Favorite
Why You’ll Love This Taco Skillet
If you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, this Taco Skillet is the perfect solution! Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, corn, and melty cheese, this one-pan dish brings all the delicious flavors of tacos in a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal.
Best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a main dish, scoop it into taco shells, or use it as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or nachos. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday or a busy weeknight dinner, this skillet meal is sure to become a new family favorite!
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Taco Skillet
To make this easy and delicious taco-inspired dish, you’ll need :
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 blend for a balance of flavor and texture)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (adds depth and warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice (long-grain or jasmine works best)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (for added freshness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease, then add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
2. Add Seasonings and Base Ingredients
- Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring well.
3. Cook the Rice and Add Mix-Ins
- Stir in uncooked rice and mix until evenly distributed.
- Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in black beans and corn to warm them through.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.
- Cover for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Taco Skillet Serving Ideas
Taco Style: Scoop the mixture into soft or hard taco shells, then finish with sour cream, salsa, and avocado.
Rice Bowl Option: Serve it over shredded lettuce, adding extra toppings for a flavorful taco-inspired bowl.
Burrito Filling: Wrap everything in a large tortilla, layering in extra cheese and salsa for an easy, handheld meal.
Loaded Nachos: Spread over crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until melted for the ultimate snack.
Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Creamy Touch: Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole.
Sweet & Smoky Flavor: Use fire-roasted corn for added depth.
Protein Swap: Replace beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Skillet
Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent overflow.
Let the rice fully cook – don’t rush it! The flavors develop as the rice absorbs the seasonings.
For a richer taste, substitute beef broth with a mix of broth and enchilada sauce.
Make it ahead – this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
This Taco Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and easy dinner option that brings all the best taco flavors into one dish—without the mess of multiple pans! Whether you enjoy it as tacos, a rice bowl, or burrito filling, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try tonight and spice up your dinner routine!