Need ideas for dinner tonight? Try these easy beef recipes that can each be made in 30 minutes or less, including skillets, stews, burritos and more.
40 Beef Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
1/39
2/39
Beef ‘n’ Biscuit Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1180mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
3/39
One-Pot Dinner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone comes back for seconds when I serve this well-seasoned skillet supper. I like the fact that it's on the table in just 30 minutes. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 263 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein.
4/39
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles: 333 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
5/39
Broccoli Beef Braids
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 loaves (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 396 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
6/39
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
7/39
Nacho Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
8/39
Chili-ghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 374 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
9/39
Sloppy Joe Pizza
Total Time
22 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with the six-ingredient recipe that's easy to assemble. —Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
10/39
Tacos on a Stick
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/39
Pepper Steak
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live on the eastern edge of the Sand Hills here in Nebraska, where most folks are ranchers. This popular pepper steak recipe is tasty as well as colorful. —Carolyn Butterfield, Atkinson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 365 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
12/39
Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill! —Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 325 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
13/39
Papa Burger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When whipping up something for Father’s Day or the Fourth of July, I go big and tall with this fully loaded, juicy yumburger. —Chase Bailey, Costa Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 546 calories, 28g fat (10g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
14/39
Weekday Beef Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef stew capped with flaky puff pastry adds comfort to the weeknight menu—my family is always glad to see this meal. Make a salad and call your crowd to the table. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with 1 pastry round: 604 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein.
15/39
Wasabi Beef Fajitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 287 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/39
Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 391 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/39
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 312 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1039mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
18/39
Steak Diane
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 358 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
19/39
One-Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
20/39
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
21/39
Fajita in a Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pull out the skewers and take a stab at grilling peppers, onions and corn for an awesome steak salad that’s all summer and smoke. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein.
22/39
Asian Beef Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/39
Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 573 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 961mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
24/39
Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 330 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
25/39
Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
26/39
Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
27/39
Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top.
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 ounce cheese: 188 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
28/39
Steak Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 329 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/39
Cheeseburger Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 508 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1132mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
30/39
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
31/39
Beefy French Onion Potpie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this dish knowing that my husband loves French onion soup—which I turned into a perfect base for the hearty, beefy potpie. —Sara Hutchens, Du Quoin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 553 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1550mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
32/39
Smothered Burrito
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 624 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
33/39
Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sloppy joes are a favorite of adults and kids. I deviated from the traditional recipe by adding a little Southwestern spiciness. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 354 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
34/39
Steak and Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup sauce: 247 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
35/39
Takeout Beef Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Transform last night's supper into tonight's dinner for six. Hoisin-flavored chuck roast works wonders in this recipe, but you can use flank steak as well. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 367 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
36/39
Mozzarella Beef Roll-Ups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 513 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1064mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
37/39
Greek Tortellini Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said "Mmm!" after every single bite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 543 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
38/39
Stuffed Peppers for Four
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 448 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
39/39
Chili Beef Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Right after I got married, an aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it a healthier dish that my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without tomatoes): 319 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
