Beef brings a hearty, rich backbone to countless dishes, whether slow-cooked, grilled, stewed, or sauced. These recipes highlight how beef can take many forms, from bold, spicy barbacoa to tender stroganoff and comforting stews. Some lean toward global flavors like birria or kafta, others stay classic with barbecued burgers or a rich ragu. You’ll find recipes suited for quick weeknight dinners, slow cooker meals, or weekend feasts. Each dish here shows how beef adapts, deepening flavor over time or shining with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Beef Enchiladas
Shredded beef is rolled inside tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbling. Tortillas soak up the sauce and release savory, spicy flavor with every bite. Serve with sour cream, cilantro, or diced onions for brightness.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchiladas
Chicago-style Italian Beef
Thin slices of seasoned roast beef are simmered in juices and served on soft rolls, often with peppers and giardiniera on top. The sandwich gets dipped in the meat juices (au jus style), making it juicy and flavorful. Each bite combines soft bread, tender meat, and percussion from pickled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chicago-style Italian Beef
Beef Stroganoff
Tender strips of beef cook in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions, often served over noodles or rice. The sauce is silky, tangy with sour cream, and built to hug every piece of beef. It’s a comfort dish with richness and texture.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew
Chunks of beef cook under pressure with apple cider, vegetables, and herbs. The cider adds gentle sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of beef. Everything becomes tender fast. It’s a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day but comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew
Beef Kabobs
Bites of beef cube threaded onto skewers with veggies and grilled or broiled until slightly charred and juicy. The exterior has smoky crust, the inside stays tender. Marinating beef ahead ensures deep flavor. Serve over rice or with flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kabobs
Beef Barbacoa
Beef slow-cooks in a mix of chiles, spices, vinegar, and aromatics until it’s fall-apart tender. The meat takes on smoky, spicy heat and depth. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or served with side dishes. Each strand absorbs flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
A tough cut that breaks down into silky meat when cooked low and slow in broth and vegetables. The marrow adds richness while the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth. The remaining broth becomes a deeply flavored base or sauce.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Beef Lo Mein
Strips of beef stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sauce (soy, sesame, garlic). It’s quick and savory, with tender beef and crisp vegetables. The sauce coats everything evenly. A satisfying, complete meal in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Beef Lo Mein
Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is seared and then glazed or roasted in a mixture of balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. The glaze gives tang, depth, and a slight sweetness, while the tenderloin stays juicy inside. A dish that feels elevated with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, cooked rice, vegetables, and cheese bake together into a unified, hearty dish. The cheese melts through and binds everything while beef adds savory depth. A family favorite that’s easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Beef Birria
Beef slow-cooks in a spicy, aromatic broth made with dried chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and spices until ultra tender. The meat and broth pair to create tacos or quesadillas you dip into the cooking liquid. Deep, bold flavors with smoky heat.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Carne Asada Beef Quesadillas
Thinly grilled steak slices are layered with cheese inside tortillas, crisped until golden. The steak’s char adds flavor while the melted cheese binds the whole thing. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Beef Quesadillas
Beef Kafta
Ground beef mixed with spices (cumin, parsley, onion, etc.) is shaped into skewers or patties and grilled or baked. It’s juicy, herb-forward, and aromatic. Often served with tahini, yogurt, or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Beef Taco Soup
Ground beef simmers with beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices in a savory broth. Each spoonful brings warmth, protein, and texture. Top with cheese, tortilla strips, or cilantro to finish.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taco Soup
Hoisin Beef
Thin slices of beef stir quickly in a hoisin-based sauce, often with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. The sauce adds sweetness, umami, and depth. It’s fast, saucy, and bold—great with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Beef burgers get mixed or topped with barbecue flavor and beet components for moisture, color, and subtle earthiness. The BBQ notes shine while the beet aspect adds texture or sweetness. The patties grill well and stand out visually.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Chunks of beef and sweet potato simmer together with onions, spices, and broth until tender. The sweet potato brings balance and body, while beef brings savory depth. It’s hearty and full of color and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
