Beef is a versatile and flavorful protein that can be the centerpiece of many easy-to-prepare meals. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend lunch, these simple beef dishes will satisfy your cravings without requiring too much effort in the kitchen.
Let's explore three uncomplicated yet delicious recipes that showcase how flavorful and tender beef can be.
Easy Beef Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a great way to use up fresh vegetables and leftovers. This quick stir-fried dish is perfect for anyone on the go.
Ingredients:
- 250g beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced - 180g
- 1 medium onion, sliced - 100g
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
To prepare this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the onion slices for about 2 minutes until they soften. Next, add in the garlic followed closely by the bell peppers.
In a small bowl, mix your soy sauce with cornstarch slurry and sesame oil, then drizzle this mixture over the veggies. Stir-fry everything together for another few minutes until all ingredients are tender yet still have a slight bite.
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Quesadillas are an easy dish that can be customized to your liking, and they're perfect for feeding kids or serving at parties. Combine ground beef with melted cheese for a delicious meal in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 200g ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped - 50g
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or a Mexican blend) - 200g
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another few minutes until the onions are translucent. Remove the pan from heat.
Place one tortilla in a separate dry skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across half of the tortilla's surface. Spread the beef mixture over the cheese, and then sprinkle more cheese on top to hold it together.
Fold the tortilla in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to make four cheesy beef quesadillas.
One-Pan Baked Beef and Vegetables
One-pot meals that combine your protein and vegetables into a single dish simplify cleanup and make dinnertime a breeze. This one-pan baked beef recipe combines roasted veggies with savory herbs for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 300g beef steak, sliced - 25mm thick
- 180g baby potatoes, halved
- 2 medium carrots, chopped into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the baby potatoes, sliced steak, and chopped carrots on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over your beef and vegetables spread out on the pan.
Toss everything to coat evenly with the seasoning blend. Spread out so that each piece is in a single layer, then bake for about 20-25 minutes until the beef is cooked through, the potatoes are tender, and the carrots have caramelized edges.