Disgustingly Easy Ground Beef Recipe in 40 Minutes

Published: July 10, 2025

Okay, let’s talk ground beef! I mean, seriously, is there anything more versatile? You can make a million different things, and it’s usually pretty budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. This ground beef recipe is one of my go-to’s for those crazy weeknights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth you’re going to throw together.

I remember one Tuesday… or was it Wednesday? Doesn’t matter! Anyway, I was *supposed* to make chicken, but totally forgot to take it out of the freezer. Oops! Ground beef to the rescue! I whipped up this recipe in like, half an hour, and everyone was happy. No complaints, just full bellies. And that, my friends, is a victory. This is a super easy and delicious meal even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Recipe

Okay, so why *should* you try this recipe? Lemme tell ya, it’s a lifesaver!

Quick to make: Seriously, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. That’s faster than takeout!
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here, just stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
Family-friendly flavor: Even the picky eaters will gobble this one up. It’s a classic for a reason!
Versatile for different meals: Pasta? Rice? Potatoes? Tacos? It works with *everything*!
Easy cleanup: One pan, that’s it! Less time washing dishes, more time relaxing. Hallelujah!

Ground Beef Recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for the Perfect Ground Beef Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too crazy here, just good ol’ pantry staples. Trust me, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you got this!

1 pound of ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 – it’s got enough flavor without being *too* greasy, ya know?)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (don’t worry about being perfect, just get it roughly chopped!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a garlic lover, so sometimes I sneak in an extra one… shhh!)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (the good stuff!)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for that yummy flavor base)

How to Make This Ground Beef Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time!

Getting Started with Your Ground Beef Recipe

First, grab your biggest skillet (the one you always use!). Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil in there. Turn the heat to medium. You’ll want the oil to get nice and shimmery – that means it’s hot enough. Careful, don’t let it smoke!

Browning the Ground Beef

Now, dump in that pound of ground beef! Use a spoon (or a spatula, whatever you prefer) to break it up into smaller pieces. You want it to brown evenly. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until it’s not pink anymore. You’ll see the color change from red to brown – that’s how you know it’s ready. Don’t worry if it’s not *perfectly* browned, we’re going for good enough here! Once it’s browned, drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy sauce!

Adding Aromatics to the Ground Beef Recipe

Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir it all around so the onion and garlic get coated in the yummy beefy flavor. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion starts to look translucent and soft. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to smell *amazing* in your kitchen. That’s the garlic doing its thing!

Simmering the Ground Beef Recipe

Now for the good stuff! Pour in your crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Turn the heat down to low, so it’s just simmering – you should see little bubbles gently rising to the surface. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all the flavors meld together and get super delicious. Trust me, the longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Serving Your Delicious Ground Beef Recipe

Alright, it’s ready! Now, the best part: serving! Spoon your amazing ground beef recipe over your favorite pasta (spaghetti is always a winner!), rice, or mashed potatoes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. A little chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color too! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Recipe

Want to take this ground beef recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my little secrets!

Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. Seriously, it’s tempting to just dump it all in, but resist! Brown it in batches for the best flavor. Trust me on this one.
Use good-quality crushed tomatoes. You can really taste the difference! Splurge a little – it’s worth it.
Adjust seasonings to your taste. I’m giving you a starting point, but feel free to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, whatever makes your heart sing!
Simmer for longer for a richer flavor. I usually go for at least 20 minutes, but if you have the time, let it simmer for an hour! The flavor just gets better and better.

Ground Beef Recipe Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe… now let’s get crazy! The best part about this ground beef recipe is how easy it is to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Add vegetables! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini – whatever you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in with the onions and garlic.
Spice it up! A pinch (or a handful, I don’t judge!) of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick. Or, if you’re feeling *really* adventurous, add a chopped jalapeño!
Use different herbs! Instead of oregano and basil, try Italian seasoning, thyme, or even a little rosemary. Each herb gives it a totally new vibe!
Make it chili! Add a can of beans (kidney, black, whatever you like!), a spoonful of chili powder, and maybe a little cumin. Boom! Instant chili!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Recipe

So, you’ve got your delicious ground beef recipe all ready to go… but what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Pasta (obviously!)
Rice (white, brown, even quinoa!)
Mashed potatoes (creamy and dreamy!)
Garlic bread (because carbs are life!)
Salad (gotta get those greens in, right?)

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of these! Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Your Ground Beef Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ground beef recipe is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it on the stovetop (my fave!) or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Ground Beef Recipe: Nutritional Information

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info. Here’s the deal: it’s *super* hard to give exact numbers because it depends on the brand of crushed tomatoes you use, how lean your ground beef is, all that jazz. So, just keep in mind that any nutritional information is just an estimate, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About This Ground Beef Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this amazing ground beef recipe. Hopefully, this clears things up!

What is the best type of ground beef to use for this Ground Beef Recipe?

Okay, so this is a big one! I usually recommend lean ground beef – like 90/10 or 93/7. It’s got less fat, so you don’t end up with a super greasy sauce. But honestly, use whatever you like! Just remember to drain off any extra grease after you brown it.

Can I freeze this Ground Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! This ground beef recipe freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, pop it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop. Easy peasy!

How can I make this Ground Beef Recipe spicier?

Ooh, I love a little kick! The easiest way to add some heat is with red pepper flakes. Just sprinkle some in while it’s simmering. Or, for even more flavor, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Get creative!

What other vegetables can I add to this Ground Beef Recipe?

Seriously, the sky’s the limit! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots… they all work great. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in with the onions and garlic. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Enjoy Your Ground Beef Recipe!

Alright, you did it! You made my favorite ground beef recipe! I really hope you loved it as much as I do. Now, tell me everything! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends! What do *you* like to serve this with? I’m always looking for new ideas!