Grandparents Ground Beef Dinner Recipe
This comforting ground beef dinner feels like a hug from grandma’s kitchen warm, simple, and full of love. Perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinners, it’s a nostalgic meal that brings the whole family together with slow-simmered flavors and familiar ingredients.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Cooking pot (for pasta or rice)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) for best flavor and moisture
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup carrots chopped or sliced
- 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or egg noodles cooked and drained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Remove the browned beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the browned beef to the pan and stir well.
- Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook noodles or rice according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the carrots and peas to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Serve the beef mixture over noodles or rice, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired, and enjoy warm with a green side or bread.
Notes
Don’t rush the browning step — it builds flavor. Double the sauce and freeze half for later. For a creamy twist, stir in sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Serve with salad, corn, or biscuits for a true family-style meal.