5 Surprising Canned Ground Beef Recipes You Need to Try

Are you looking for quick and easy meal ideas? Look no further than these surprising canned ground beef recipes! Canned ground beef is quick, easy, and can be used in many different dishes. Here, we’ll explore five surprising and tasty ways to use canned ground beef. These recipes are simple, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to try something new.

Why Choose Canned Ground Beef Recipes?

Canned ground beef recipes offer several advantages:

• Convenience: Always ready to use
• Long shelf life: Perfect for emergency meals
• Versatility: Can be used in various cuisines
• Time-saving: No need to thaw or cook the meat

1. Beef and Bean Taco Soup

This hearty soup combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of a warm bowl of soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving Mexican-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz)  ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 diced onion
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
2. Open the can of ground beef and add it to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained and rinsed kidney beans, and drained corn. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the soup and stir well to distribute it evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the beef and beans
• Good source of fiber for digestive health
• Balanced meal with vegetables and lean protein

2. Cheesy Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while enjoying a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz)  ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the peppers by washing them thoroughly.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from inside. If needed, slice a thin piece off the bottom of each pepper so they stand upright.
3. In a large bowl, combine the canned ground beef, cooked rice, chopped spinach, half of the shredded cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, packing it down gently and filling to the top. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish that fits them snugly.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will create steam and help cook the peppers.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops of the peppers. Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving, as they will be very hot.

Health Benefits

• Bell peppers are high in vitamin C
• Spinach adds iron and other essential nutrients
• Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and whole grains

3. Quick Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a great way to use up any vegetables you have in your fridge. It’s quick, tasty, and customizable!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz)  ground beef
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Cooked rice for serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the canned ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s heated through.
4. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. If using harder vegetables like carrots, add these first and cook for 2-3 minutes before adding softer vegetables.
5. Stir-fry all the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
8. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice. For added flavor and texture, you can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

 

Health Benefits

• Loaded with a variety of vegetables for essential vitamins and minerals
• Good source of protein from the beef
• Low-carb option when served without rice

4. Beefy Quinoa Skillet

This one-pan meal combines protein-rich quinoa with canned beef for a quick and nutritious dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz)  ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the canned ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through.
2. Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef. Toast the quinoa for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Add the diced bell pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. If there’s excess liquid, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover again with the lid and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.

Health Benefits

• Quinoa is a complete protein and provides essential amino acids
• High in fiber for digestive health
• Balanced meal with protein, complex carbs, and vegetables

5. Beef and Potato Breakfast Hash

Who says canned beef is just for dinner? This breakfast hash is a hearty way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz)  ground beef
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs (optional)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the canned ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through.
4. Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the hash. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and crispy on the outside.
5. If using eggs, create four wells in the hash using the back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each well.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer fully cooked eggs, let them cook for a few minutes longer.
7. Remove the skillet from heat. If you didn’t add eggs, give the hash a final stir.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This hash can be enjoyed on its own or with toast on the side.

Health Benefits

• Hearty breakfast that provides energy for the day
• Good source of protein from beef and eggs
• Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and vitamin C