Cooking for two doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland or boring. Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients out there—budget-friendly, easy to cook, and perfect for creating meals that are hearty without leaving you with a fridge full of leftovers. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner after work or planning a cozy night in, these three ground beef recipes are tailor-made for two servings and full of bold flavor.
A few Amazon products I use in the recipes are:
Carote Pan Set https://amzn.to/4lDkpaV
Acacia Wood Prep Bowl Set https://amzn.to/46bFtzR
Meat Chopper https://amzn.to/4fMZktc
Cuisinart Multicolor Knife Set https://amzn.to/45v14nA
As an Amazon Affiliate I do receive a small commission when you use my links. Using these links does not cost you anything additional. I appreciate you supporting me and shopping through my links.
Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 T Diced Onion
- 2 T Diced Green Pepper
- ½ lb Ground Beef
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced
- 1 T Flour
- 1 t Ketchup
- 1 T Worcestershire
- 1 ½ c Beef Broth
- ½ C Milk
- 1 C Cavatappi Noodles. You can use a Rotini or Elbow Macaroni
- 4 Provolone Cheese Slices Diced
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef, Onions, Peppers and Garlic. If you have an excess amount of fat, drain the fat from the beef mixture.
- Top beef mixture with the flour and stir to combine.
- Add all the other ingredients, except for the Provolone Cheese
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and cover. Leaving the lid slightly open for the steam to escape.
- Simmer and stir every few minutes to prevent sticking
- Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and add the provolone cheese.
- Enjoy!
Smash Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 Tortilla Shells
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 -2 t Taco Seasoning
- ½ c Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Taco Toppings of your choice. I like to use lettuce, tomato, diced onion, diced jalapenos, sliced avocado, and sour cream
Instructions
- Season ground beef with taco seasoning
- Divide the seasoned ground beef in two and spread the ground beef over the two tortillas making sure it is in a thin even layer.
- Cook the taco meat side down until browned.
- Flip onto the tortilla side and cook until crispy.
- If the beef has an excess fat grab a paper towel and soak up any excess.
- Add cheese and fold taco in half.
- Add your toppings.
- Enjoy!
Taco Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 1 T Chili Powder
- 1 T Cumin
- 1/2 t Salt Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Oregano
- 1/4 t Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Combine all seasonings and place in an airtight container.
Salisbury Steak
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 Egg
- 1 T Worcestershire
- ¼ c Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 T House Seasoning
- For the Gravy
- 2 T Butter
- 2 T Flour
- 2 T Better than Bouillon omit this if you are using beef broth
- 3 Cups of Water if you are using beef broth you will use 2 cups of broth and 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, egg, Worcestershire, panko and house seasoning and divide into 4 portions.
- Flatten patties
- Brown patties on both sides and set to the side in an 8×8 pan
- If you have excess fat from browning the patties, use a paper towel to soak up some of the excess fat leaving the pan drippings
- Create the gravy by adding the butter, and the better than bouillon (if using) to the pan scraping the bottom of the pan to pick up all the flavor left from your Salisbury steak patties.
- Add flour and stir to combine.
- Add water (or broth if you are using broth) slowly to the pan and whisk constantly.
- Cook on medium high heat until the gravy begins to thicken.
- If you need to, add the reserved 1 cup of water to thin the gravy.
- Pour gravy over the Salisbury Steak Patties in the 8×8 pan.
- Cook at 350 for 18-20 minutes.
- Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Lima Beans.
- Enjoy!
Spicy Southern Lima Beans
Ingredients
- ¼ c Diced Ham Chinks
- 1 Bag Frozen Lima Beans
- 3 Cups Water
- ¼ t Garlic Powder
- ¼ t Onion Powder
- ¼ t Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/8 t Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 20 minutes until the Lima Beans are tender
- Enjoy!
House Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 1 T Salt
- 1 T Pepper
- 1 T Garlic Powder
- 1 T Onion Powder
Instructions
- Combine all spices and store in an airtight container.
Whether you’re cooking for a partner, a friend, or just yourself, these small-batch ground beef recipes hit that perfect balance of flavor, portion size, and ease. Who says dinner for two can’t be exciting?
I hope you try these recipes friend, I think you’ll love them all!
Have a wonderful week!
