When it comes to whipping up a meal on a busy night, having a few trusty recipes up your sleeve can be a lifesaver. Canned ground beef is a staple in many kitchens because of its convenience and versatility. From tacos to casseroles, there are countless ways to use this pantry staple. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 quick and easy canned ground beef recipes that are perfect for busy nights when cooking seems like too much effort. Whether you’re short on time or just want a stress-free meal option, these recipes will have you covered.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, our selection of canned ground beef recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab your can of ground beef and get ready to cook up some quick and delicious meals!
Easy Canned Ground Beef Tacos
A convenient and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe uses canned ground beef to save time without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of canned ground beef
– 8-10 taco shells
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Open the can of ground beef and pour it into a medium-sized bowl.
2. Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the ground beef and mix until well combined.
3. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Divide the seasoned ground beef among the warmed taco shells, spooning about 1/4 cup of beef onto each shell.
5. Top with shredded cheese and any desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Speedy Canned Ground Beef Chili
Get a comforting bowl of chili on the table quickly with this recipe using canned ground beef and staple pantry ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the canned ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Simple Canned Ground Beef Spaghetti
This recipe is a simple and satisfying meal that can be ready in no time. Using canned ground beef saves time and effort, while still delivering a flavorful and filling dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of ground beef
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the canned ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it heats through.
3. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the reserved pasta water and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the cooked spaghetti and ground beef sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Canned Ground Beef Stroganoff
Simplify your dinner routine with this effortless recipe that combines the flavors of classic beef stroganoff with the convenience of canned ground beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef in tomato sauce
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Open the can of ground beef and stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the cooked egg noodles and beef mixture. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fast Canned Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting casserole is a clever hack that skips the cooking time of traditional ground beef preparation, while still delivering rich flavors and satisfying comfort. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this hearty meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup canned ground beef
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, peas and carrots, ground beef, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Top with mashed potatoes and dot with butter.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Effortless Canned Ground Beef Sloppy Joes
Effortless Canned Ground Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other toppings you like
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
5. Split the hamburger buns in half and spoon the beef mixture onto the buns.
6. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Instant Canned Ground Beef Hamburger Helper
In just a few minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table using Instant Canned Ground Beef Hamburger Helper. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected company.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Instant Canned Ground Beef Hamburger Helper
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or chopped bell peppers
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the Hamburger Helper and stir until it is well coated with oil.
3. Add the water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and customize with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rapid Canned Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your weeknight meal with this simple and satisfying recipe that combines the convenience of canned ground beef with the flavor of roasted peppers. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, these stuffed peppers are ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 can (8 oz) ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
4. Stuff each pepper with the ground beef mixture, cooked rice, and a splash of olive oil.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Speedy Canned Ground Beef Nachos
In a flash, you can have a delicious plate of nachos loaded with flavorful ground beef and melted cheese. This recipe uses canned ground beef to speed up the cooking process.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of ground beef
– 8-10 tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Drain the canned ground beef and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds or until the beef is hot and slightly browned.
4. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
5. Top the chips with the cooked ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeño pepper.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Canned Ground Beef Meatloaf
This recipe is a simplified take on the classic meatloaf, using canned ground beef to save time and effort. The result is a deliciously flavorful loaf with minimal prep work.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Drain the canned ground beef and place it in a mixing bowl.
3. Add breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
4. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
6. If using onion, sprinkle it on top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quick Canned Ground Beef Casserole
Quick Canned Ground Beef Casserole
Summary: A simple, comforting casserole made with canned ground beef, pasta, and cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of canned ground beef
– 1 cup of cooked pasta (such as macaroni or penne)
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned ground beef, shredded cheese, and milk. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the cooked pasta, melted butter, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.
5. Transfer the casserole mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Simple Canned Ground Beef Empanadas
Need a snack that’s easy to make and satisfies your cravings? Look no further! These simple empanadas are filled with canned ground beef, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of empanada wrappers (about 12-15 wrappers)
– 1 can of ground beef (14.5 oz)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Open the can of ground beef and heat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Place an empanada wrapper on a flat surface.
4. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of heated ground beef onto one half of the wrapper.
5. Fold the other half of the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
6. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fast Canned Ground Beef Quesadillas
Get a delicious Mexican-inspired meal on the table in no time with these easy and flavorful quesadillas. This recipe uses canned ground beef for added convenience.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the canned ground beef in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In a separate pan or griddle, place a tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Spoon the heated ground beef mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Effortless Canned Ground Beef Goulash
This hearty, comforting dish is a perfect solution for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a flavorful goulash without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz macaroni
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; set aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in canned tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Combine cooked macaroni with the goulash sauce; serve hot.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Canned Ground Beef Pasta Bake
This comforting pasta bake is a perfect solution for a weeknight dinner when time is of the essence. Made with instant canned ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses, this recipe is simple to prepare and cooks in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup instant canned ground beef
– 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, combine canned ground beef, marinara sauce, and olive oil. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Combine cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rapid Canned Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini
A quick and easy recipe that combines the convenience of canned ground beef with the flavor and nutrients of zucchini. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a busy day when you need something fast.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup canned ground beef, drained
– 2 medium zucchinis, hollowed out
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, canned ground beef, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff each zucchini with the meat mixture, mounding it slightly.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each zucchini.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the zucchinis.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Speedy Canned Ground Beef Hash
Speedy Canned Ground Beef Hash
A classic comfort food recipe that’s ready in a flash! This speedy hash is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Open the can of ground beef and drain excess liquid.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the hash has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Canned Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
This hearty skillet dinner is a quick and delicious solution for a busy day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup canned ground beef (drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the canned ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until heated through (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the cooked rice, peas and carrots, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Summary
Get quick and easy meal ideas with these 18 recipes using canned ground beef! From tacos to chili, spaghetti to shepherd’s pie, there’s something for everyone. These simple and speedy recipes are perfect for busy nights when you need a meal in a flash. Try Easy Canned Ground Beef Tacos or Speedy Canned Ground Beef Chili for a tasty dinner that’s ready in no time. Or, try Simple Canned Ground Beef Spaghetti for a classic comfort food dish. With these effortless recipes, you’ll be enjoying delicious meals in minutes!
