Quick recipes with ground beef and beans
Got ground beef and beans and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Skillet Beef and Bean Chili
25 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort foodbeef
Cilantro-Lime Ground Beef and Black Bean Bowls
20 min Serves 4weeknightquickfresh
Smoky Beef & Black Bean Skillet with Charred Jalapeños
20 min Serves 4weeknightspicyquick
Chipotle-Beef Bean Skillet with Charred Corn
20 min Serves 4weeknightone-panmexican-inspired
Chipotle Beef and Black Bean Skillet with Crispy Corn
20 min Serves 4weeknightone-panhearty
Cilantro-Lime Beef & Black Bean Skillet
20 min Serves 4weeknightlatin-inspiredgluten-free
Skillet Beef and Pinto Beans with Charred Onions
20 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort-foodone-skillet
Cilantro-Lime Beef and Black Bean Skillet
15 min Serves 4weeknightquickfresh
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Common questions
- Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in these recipes?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner substitutes, though they cook faster and may be less flavorful, so consider adding extra seasonings or a bit of oil to compensate. Reduce cooking time by about 2-3 minutes since poultry cooks quicker than beef.
- How can I make ground beef and beans recipes cheaper?
- Buy ground beef on sale and freeze it, use dried beans instead of canned (they cost 1/4 the price and just need overnight soaking), and bulk up portions with extra vegetables like carrots, onions, or zucchini. Adding a 2:1 ratio of beans to meat stretches the dish further while boosting fiber and nutrition.
- What's the best way to store leftover ground beef and beans?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months; these dishes actually taste better the next day as flavors meld. Cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and food safety issues.
- Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
- Absolutely—most ground beef and bean dishes are excellent for meal prep and can be made 2-3 days ahead or frozen for later. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the original texture.
- What are good side dishes to serve with ground beef and beans?
- Rice, pasta, or cornbread are classic pairings that soak up the sauce, or serve over baked potatoes, lettuce wraps, or with a simple green salad for a lighter option. Avocado, sour cream, or cheese also make great toppings if you want to add richness.