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11 Cheap Ground Beef Dinners to Make When Money Is Tight | Easy Family Meals

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
167 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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Recipes in this Video

10 recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa

Instructions

  1. 1In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. 3Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir to combine.
  4. 4Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  5. 5Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until pliable.
  6. 6Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the beef mixture on each tortilla.
  7. 7Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
  8. 8Serve immediately and enjoy your tacos!

Equipment

skilletspatulameasuring spoonsserving plates
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to have been named after the Stroganov family, wealthy merchants in Russia. The dish has evolved over the years and is now popular in many countries, often featuring variations in ingredients and preparation methods. Traditionally, it consists of sautéed beef in a creamy sauce, served over noodles or rice, making it a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • onions
  • mushrooms
  • sour cream
  • beef broth
  • butter
  • flour
  • egg noodles

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the beef into thin strips.
  2. 2Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  3. 3In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. 4Add the beef and sauté until browned, then remove from skillet.
  5. 5In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms; cook until softened.
  6. 6Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine.
  7. 7Gradually add beef broth, stirring until thickened.
  8. 8Return the beef to the skillet and mix well.
  9. 9Stir in sour cream and heat through without boiling.
  10. 10Serve over cooked egg noodles.
  11. 11Garnish with parsley if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein.

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is lower in calories; pork is often less expensive.

egg noodles

Healthier: whole wheat pasta

Cheaper: regular pasta

Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber.

Techniques

sautéedbraised

Equipment

skilletpotknifecutting boardspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Beef StroganovStroganoff

Chili is a staple of American cuisine, particularly in the southwestern United States. It is often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine and is a popular dish at gatherings, cook-offs, and sporting events. Variations exist, with some regions adding ingredients like corn or different types of meat. Chili's origins are debated, with influences from Mexican and Native American cooking.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • kidney beans
  • black beans
  • tomato sauce
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. 2Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
  3. 3Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans; mix well.
  5. 5Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Turkey is lower in fat; pork is often less expensive.

kidney beans

Healthier: black beans

Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans are more nutritious; pinto beans are usually cheaper.

Techniques

browningsautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potwooden spoonknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hot
⚠️

Origin of chili is debated; some attribute it to Mexican cuisine, while others claim it as a Texan creation.

Also Known As

Chili con CarneChili

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that originated as a way to use leftover meat. It is typically made with ground lamb, reflecting its name, as shepherds tend to raise sheep. The dish has evolved over time and is now enjoyed in various forms, often with a topping of mashed potatoes. It is a comforting meal commonly served in homes and pubs across the UK, especially during colder months.

Ingredients

  • ground lamb
  • potatoes
  • onions
  • carrots
  • peas
  • beef broth
  • butter
  • milk
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them until tender.
  3. 3Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth.
  4. 4In a skillet, cook the ground lamb with chopped onions, carrots, and peas until browned.
  5. 5Add beef broth and season with salt and pepper; simmer for a few minutes.
  6. 6Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
  7. 7Use a fork to create texture on the potato topping.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. 9Let it cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground lamb

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground beef is often more affordable.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, and margarine can be a cheaper alternative.

Techniques

boilingbakingsautéing

Equipment

skilletpotbaking dishmasherfork
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Cottage PieMeat Pie

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often found in Chinese restaurants across the United States. It combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, reflecting the balance of flavors and textures characteristic of Chinese cooking. The dish is typically served with rice and is favored for its quick preparation, making it a staple for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • broccoli
  • soy sauce
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • vegetable oil
  • cornstarch
  • water
  • sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  4. 4Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, then remove from the pan.
  5. 5In the same pan, add broccoli and a splash of water; cover to steam for 2-3 minutes.
  6. 6Add the beef back to the pan, along with sesame oil, and stir-fry everything together until heated through.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: lean beef

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often more affordable and still provide good flavor.

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Lower sodium options are healthier for those monitoring salt intake.

Techniques

stir-frying

Equipment

wokknifecutting boardmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Beef with BroccoliBroccoli Beef
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-free

Stuffed bell peppers have roots in various cuisines, but they are particularly popular in Serbian households, where they are often filled with a mixture of meat and rice. This dish is a comforting family meal, showcasing the use of seasonal vegetables and hearty fillings. Today, variations can be found worldwide, with different fillings and spices reflecting local tastes.

Ingredients

  • bell peppers
  • ground beef
  • rice
  • onion
  • garlic
  • tomato sauce
  • cheddar cheese
  • olive oil
  • cumin
  • paprika
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • parsley
  • beef broth
  • corn
  • black beans

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. 5Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 6Mix well and let the filling simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. 7Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
  8. 8Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  9. 9Pour beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.
  10. 10Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  11. 11Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
milkeggs

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish that dates back to the Aztec civilization. They consist of corn tortillas filled with various ingredients, typically meat, and are topped with a chili sauce. The dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, where corn is a staple food. Variations exist across regions, with different fillings and sauces, making enchiladas a versatile and beloved meal.

Ingredients

  • corn tortillas
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • cheddar cheese
  • enchilada sauce
  • cumin
  • salt
  • pepper
  • olive oil
  • sour cream
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  4. 4Stir in ground beef, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
  5. 5Warm corn tortillas in a separate pan until pliable.
  6. 6Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  7. 7Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
  8. 8Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
  9. 9Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and cilantro.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Reduced-fat cheese offers fewer calories, while Monterey Jack is usually cheaper.

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt is higher in protein and can be used as a healthier substitute.

Techniques

sautéingbakingrolling

Equipment

skilletbaking dishpanspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Enchiladas de Carne

Meatloaf, or Hackbraten, has its roots in German cuisine, where it was traditionally a way to use leftover meats. This hearty dish symbolizes comfort and family meals, often served with potatoes and vegetables. In modern times, it has gained popularity in various forms across the globe, with each culture adding its unique twist, from American barbecue glazes to Italian herbs.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • bread crumbs
  • onion
  • egg
  • milk
  • garlic
  • parsley
  • ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • mustard
  • bell pepper
  • carrot
  • celery
  • thyme

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, and chopped onion.
  3. 3Add egg, milk, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the mixture.
  4. 4Season with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. 5Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
  6. 6Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
  7. 7Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. 8Sprinkle with thyme and additional parsley if desired.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, until cooked through.
  10. 10Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  11. 11Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

Healthier: oats

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats add fiber, while crushed crackers can be more economical.

ketchup

Healthier: tomato puree

Cheaper: homemade sauce

Tomato puree has no added sugars, and homemade sauce can be made at a lower cost.

egg

Healthier: flaxseed meal

Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal is a vegan option, while applesauce adds moisture and sweetness.

Techniques

mixingbaking

Equipment

large bowlloaf panoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowgluteneggdairy

Also Known As

HackbratenFleischlaib

Beef quesadillas are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed as a quick meal or snack. Traditionally made with simple ingredients, they highlight the flavors of the beef and cheese, wrapped in a warm tortilla. This dish reflects the resourcefulness of Mexican cooking, where leftovers can be transformed into a delicious treat. Today, quesadillas have gained popularity worldwide, with numerous variations incorporating different fillings and toppings.

Ingredients

  • flour tortillas
  • ground beef
  • cheddar cheese
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • jalapeño
  • garlic
  • cumin
  • paprika
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • sour cream
  • guacamole
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Remove the beef mixture from the heat and set aside.
  6. 6Place a tortilla in the skillet over medium heat; sprinkle half with cheddar cheese.
  7. 7Add a portion of the beef mixture over the cheese, then top with more cheese.
  8. 8Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  9. 9Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  10. 10Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: processed cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while maintaining meltiness.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork can be less expensive.

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories.

flour tortillas

Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

Cheaper: corn tortillas

Whole wheat tortillas offer more fiber, while corn tortillas are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéinggrilling

Equipment

skilletspatulaknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Quesadillas de Carne

Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish, often enjoyed as a street food or at family gatherings. They consist of crispy tortillas topped with various ingredients, making them versatile and customizable. Beef tostadas are particularly favored for their hearty flavor and satisfying crunch, often served with fresh toppings like lettuce and salsa.

Ingredients

  • corn tortillas
  • ground beef
  • refried beans
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • cheese
  • sour cream
  • salsa

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the corn tortillas by frying or baking until crispy.
  2. 2In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
  3. 3Spread a layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla.
  4. 4Top with the cooked ground beef evenly across the tortillas.
  5. 5Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on top of the beef.
  6. 6Sprinkle cheese over the toppings and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  7. 7Drizzle salsa over the tostadas before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Turkey is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt is healthier and often used as a substitute.

Techniques

fryingbaking

Equipment

skilletbaking sheetserving platter
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Tostadas de Carne

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