Classic Seasoned Ground Beef

This Classic Seasoned Ground Beef is a simple and flavorful base I use for countless dishes—tacos, casseroles, pasta, or even just served over rice. It’s quick to cook, perfectly seasoned, and endlessly versatile. Whether I need a weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple, this ground beef recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and reliable this recipe is. It uses basic pantry spices that I always have on hand, and it’s ready in under 15 minutes. I can double the batch for future meals or freeze leftovers for another night. It’s the kind of go-to protein I make without even needing to think about it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. I add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or spatula.

3. As it starts to brown, I sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic salt, salt, and black pepper.

4. I continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.

5. I drain any excess grease if needed, then give it one final stir to mix in the seasonings evenly.

6. I serve it hot, or let it cool and use it in another recipe.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add chili powder and cumin for a taco-style flavor, or Italian seasoning and a bit of tomato paste for a pasta sauce base. I’ve also stirred in chopped onions or bell peppers while the beef cooks when I want more texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—I portion it into freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, I’ve made this with both and it still turns out great. I sometimes add a bit more seasoning to make up for the milder flavor.

Do I have to drain the fat?

It depends on the fat content of the beef. I usually drain if I use 80/20, but I leave it in for leaner cuts for more flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. I often double it and use half now, half later in tacos, casseroles, or pasta dishes.

What’s the best way to keep it from drying out?

Cooking it just until browned and not overdoing the heat helps. If it’s dry, I stir in a splash of broth or sauce before serving.

Can I add fresh garlic or onion instead of powdered?

Yes, I love doing that when I have the time. I sauté the onion and garlic first, then add the beef and continue as usual.

Conclusion

This Classic Seasoned Ground Beef is a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s fast, flavorful, and forms the base of so many easy meals. With just a few simple ingredients, I can have a delicious, protein-packed dish ready in minutes. Whether I’m building tacos, stuffing peppers, or tossing it into pasta, this recipe is always a winner.