10+ Beef Dinner Recipes to Enjoy Easy and Delicious Meals

Beef dinner recipes are a fantastic way to whip up filling, tasty meals for almost any occasion. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, beef brings so much variety and rich flavor that it’s tough to go wrong.

You’ll find quick, easy recipes and a few special dishes you might want to save for the weekend.

Trying new beef recipes lets you play around with all sorts of cooking styles and ingredients. Some are perfect for rushed weeknights, while others ask for a bit more time and patience.

Honestly, it’s hard to get bored with so many ways to cook beef for dinner.

1) Classic Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf is pure comfort food and super easy to make. It starts with ground beef, onion, egg, and bread crumbs for structure.

There’s a sweet ketchup glaze on top that makes it irresistible. You just shape the mixture into a loaf and bake it until it’s cooked through.

Mashed potatoes and some veggies on the side are basically required. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients already.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix beef, egg, onion, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Mix ketchup and brown sugar; spread on top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for about 1 hour or until meat is cooked through.

2) Spicy Chili with Ground Beef

Spicy chili is the kind of dinner that warms you up from the inside out. You brown ground beef, toss in some veggies, and sprinkle in a mix of spices for big flavor.

You can make it as spicy (or not) as you like. Beans and tomatoes give it more texture and make it extra hearty.

Most of the cooking time is just letting it simmer so the flavors come together. It’s a solid pick for nights when you want something filling.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and spices.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Check out this spicy chili recipe if you want more details.

3) Homemade Beef Lasagna

Homemade beef lasagna is a classic, hearty dinner that feels special every time. You’ll layer cooked ground beef with cheese, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce.

This one takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it. Ricotta or cottage cheese with egg makes the filling creamy.

Mozzarella and Parmesan on top melt into a golden crust. You can make it ahead and freeze it for busy days.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour. Cover with foil first, then uncover near the end for a bubbly top.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix ricotta cheese with the egg.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
6. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tweak the recipe however you like. For more tips, see this easy beef lasagna recipe.

4) Juicy Beef Burgers

Juicy beef burgers are surprisingly easy to make at home. Use ground beef with enough fat—80/20 is perfect for flavor and moisture.

A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a handful of bread crumbs keeps them tender. Grill or pan-cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.

You want the inside to hit 160°F (71°C) for safety. Let them rest a couple of minutes before digging in.

Pile on lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce. These burgers are always a hit at family dinners or backyard cookouts.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix beef, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 4 equal patties.
3. Heat grill or pan to medium-high.
4. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until 160°F (71°C).
5. Let burgers rest 3 minutes before serving.

5) Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew is a lifesaver on busy days. Just toss beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas into your slow cooker.

Pour in beef broth and a splash of red wine for depth. Let it cook on low for 8 to 10 hours—super hands-off.

The beef comes out tender and the veggies get soft and flavorful. If you want more ideas, check out this slow cooker beef stew recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and peas in the slow cooker.
2. Add beef broth, red wine, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together gently.
4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
5. Check seasoning and serve hot.

6) Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a quick, comforting dinner you can make in about half an hour. Cook tender beef strips with onions and mushrooms, then simmer in a creamy sour cream sauce.

Serve it over egg noodles or rice—either works. It’s hearty but not too heavy.

Simple ingredients like beef, sour cream, and mushrooms come together for something special. The creamy sauce and tender meat make a nice combo.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin or tender steak, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles or rice, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef from pan.
3. Add onions and mushrooms to the pan and cook until softened.
4. Pour in beef broth and mustard, stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Lower heat, stir in sour cream, and return beef to the pan.
6. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
7. Serve hot over cooked egg noodles or rice.

Check out this Beef Stroganoff recipe if you want more details.

7) Grilled Ribeye Steak

Grilling a ribeye steak gives you a rich, juicy meal with barely any fuss. Get your grill nice and hot for the best sear.

Season the steak with just salt and pepper—sometimes simple is best. Let it sit out for a bit before grilling so it cooks evenly.

If you’re feeling fancy, melt some garlic butter or herb sauce over the top. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Aim for an internal temp of 135°F (57°C). Let the steak rest a few minutes before slicing so those juices stay put.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steak (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic or herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat grill to high heat (around 450°F/232°C).
2. Season steak with salt and pepper.
3. Place steak on grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Check for 135°F (57°C) internal temperature for medium-rare.
5. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

8) Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a quick, flavorful dish you can pull together at home. Thin beef slices cook fast and stay tender.

The sauce is a simple mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for that sweet-salty hit. Marinate the beef first so it soaks up all the flavor.

When you cook it, the beef crisps up a bit before you toss it in the sauce. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite veggies.

It’s a solid choice when you want something rich and savory, but not complicated.

Ingredients

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef (flank steak or sirloin)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 green onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This will be your sauce.

2. Pour half the sauce over the beef. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high—aim for around 375°F (190°C).

4. Toss in the beef. Cook until it turns brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add garlic and the rest of the sauce. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens up.

6. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve right away.

You can find more tips on making easy Mongolian beef.

9) Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup just feels like comfort in a bowl. You get tender beef, chewy barley, and soft veggies all swimming in a savory broth.

Start by browning beef chunks to really lock in the flavor. Next, simmer the beef with barley and veggies until everything’s nice and tender.

Stew meat or chuck roast both work for this recipe. Carrots, celery, and onion add a fresh, sweet bite.

If you’re into herbs, toss in some thyme or a couple bay leaves for more depth.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew beef or chuck roast, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3/4 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour olive oil into a large pot and heat over medium-high.

2. Brown the beef on all sides, then set it aside.

3. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they start to soften.

4. Put the beef back in. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and barley.

5. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

6. Fish out the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Serve it up warm.

Want to dig deeper? Here’s a beef and barley soup recipe.

10) Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders are tiny, juicy sandwiches—perfect for dinner or if you’re feeding a crowd. You cook up some ground beef with onions, then melt cheese right on top.

Pile the beef and cheese onto soft rolls. They’re easy to hold, no knife or fork needed.

Want more flavor? Add a quick sauce. These bake fast and come out warm and melty.

Hawaiian rolls or regular dinner rolls both do the job. Make them ahead and bake when you’re ready—super convenient.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 8-12 soft hamburger buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional: burger sauce or ketchup and mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Heat some oil in a pan. Toss in the onions and sauté them until they’re soft.

3. Add the ground beef. Cook it until there’s no pink left, then drain off the extra fat.

4. Spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the buns. Lay a slice of cheese on top of each one.

5. Set the sliders in a baking dish. Cover everything with foil.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for melted cheese and steaming hot sliders.

7. Before serving, slather on burger sauce or whatever condiments you love.

If you want a step-by-step guide, check out this Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.