13 Quick Beef Recipes for Hectic Weeknights
Serious Eats compiles 13 fast beef recipes using ground beef and flank steak, including stir-fries, chili, and global dishes like Cuban Picadillo and
The collection focuses on fast-cooking cuts like ground beef and flank steak to deliver rich flavor with minimal time investment.
The publication states these recipes cater to diverse tastes, from tacos and chili to cozy soups. The common thread is their speed and simplicity, making them suitable for any night of the week.
Stir-Fries and Sauteed Dishes
Several recipes use rapid, high-heat cooking methods. A beef and broccoli stir-fry is paired with lo mein noodles instead of the typical rice. For a Vietnamese-inspired dish, sautéed morning glory (water spinach) is combined with beef to create a meal substantial enough to stand alone with steamed rice.
The site's Chinese-American beef and broccoli recipe calls for flap meat marinated in soy and rice wine, though flank, hanger, or skirt steak are listed as alternatives. The beef is sliced thin and stir-fried in a very hot wok.
Global Ground Beef Favorites
Ground beef features prominently in a variety of international dishes. Cuban picadillo is described as a flavorful hash made with ground beef or a mix of beef and pork, starting with a sofrito base and gaining complexity from olives, capers, and raisins.
Okinawan taco rice tops steamed Japanese short-grain rice with cumin-and-chile-spiced ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sometimes crushed tortilla chips. Kenyan beef wet fry consists of tender beef chunks in a thick tomato sauce, reportedly ready in under 30 minutes.
Classic American preparations include sloppy joes, with a sauce using ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar. The site's ground beef taco recipe aims to improve on taco kits for a juicier, more flavorful filling.
Hearty Soups and Casseroles
Pressure cookers are recommended to speed up traditionally long-cooked dishes. A ground beef and bean chili is said to have its cooking time significantly reduced by the appliance without sacrificing flavor. A beef barley soup can reportedly be ready in about an hour by using the correct cut of beef and a splash of fish sauce.
For a skillet casserole, American chop suey-also called beefaroni or chili mac-combines pasta with a rich tomato and beef sauce flavored with garlic and oregano, finished with cheese.
Sandwiches and Rice Bowls
The list also includes hearty dinner options beyond plates. A classic Reuben sandwich technique involves preheating the sauerkraut and corned beef to ensure the Swiss cheese melts quickly upon assembly. Toasting the rye bread on one side is said to provide a crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender.
A Japanese beefsteak donburi features a seasoned rice bowl topped with ribeye steak strips and sautéed spinach, garnished with shredded nori and fried garlic for texture.
The publication promotes its MyRecipes app for saving and organizing favorites from various platforms.
