Simple Beef Dish for Warm Weather: 5 Refreshing Recipes
When it’s hot outside, cooking can feel like a chore. But you don’t have to give up on beef just because it’s warm. There are many easy and tasty beef recipes for summer.
We’ve got 5 refreshing recipes that use ground beef in new and exciting ways. You’ll find everything from a zesty taco salad to loaded beefy tater tots. These dishes are perfect for hot days and still pack a protein punch. So, grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and enjoy the best of summer beef.
Table of Contents
Refreshing Taco Salad
Beat the heat with a delightful taco salad that’s both hearty and light. It has crisp romaine lettuce, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect summer beef salad to satisfy your cravings.
To make this refreshing beef dish, start by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Once the beef is cooked through, set it aside to cool slightly. Then, build your salad by arranging 8 oz of chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Top it with the seasoned beef taco salad, 1 1/3 cups of halved grape tomatoes, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cubed avocado, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
Finish off your light beef salad with a drizzle of your favorite taco-inspired dressing, such as a zesty salsa or cool sour cream. The combination of the savory ground beef, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for warm weather.
This taco salad recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this summer beef salad as a main course or share it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
“This taco salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a light and refreshing meal that’s packed with protein and nutrients.”
Cool Beef Enchiladas
Beat the summer heat with these delightful beef enchiladas! This recipe adds a refreshing twist to the classic Mexican dish. It uses flour tortillas instead of corn, and the sauce has a subtle kick. This makes for a saucy, comforting meal that’s perfect for warm weather.
These cool beef enchiladas are great for anyone looking for a hearty or light beef entree.
The beef enchiladas recipe is a hit, with a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating from 80 reviews. It makes 8 servings and uses 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef. The filling also includes a small white onion and 4 cloves of garlic for a savory taste.
Eight large flour tortillas and 3 cups of Mexican-blend shredded cheese are used to make the enchiladas. The filling also has a 15-ounce can of pinto beans and a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles for extra flavor and texture.
Optional toppings include fresh cilantro, chopped red onions, diced avocado, sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese. These can help customize your summer enchiladas.
After assembling, the enchiladas are baked at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes. This makes the outside crispy. The homemade enchilada sauce, made with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock, adds the final touch to these delectable cool beef dishes.
These beef enchiladas are perfect for a summer gathering or a satisfying meal. They offer a great balance of flavors and textures in a refreshing twist on a classic Mexican favorite.
Walking Tacos on the Go
Get ready to take your taco game to the next level with walking tacos! These tasty treats are perfect for eating on the go or by the campfire. They’re filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and your favorite taco toppings. Walking tacos are the ideal snack for your summer adventures.
To make these portable beef tacos, start by cooking 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Cook it over medium heat until browned, then drain the fat. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors mix well.
When the beef filling is ready, it’s time to build your walking tacos. Use individual snack bags of corn chips like Fritos or Doritos. Crush them lightly to make a base. Then, add the seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Don’t forget to add sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and more!
The best thing about walking tacos is how easy they are to make and customize. They’re great for casual get-togethers, campfire meals, or a quick dinner. You can store the beef filling in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for 3 months. This means you can have easy beef tacos whenever you want.
So, invite your family and friends over, fire up the grill, and enjoy the ultimate walking tacos experience. These portable beef tacos are sure to be a hit at any summer event!
Loaded Beefy Tater Tots
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these beefy tater tots! This easy recipe turns simple potato bites into a hearty summer treat. Loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, these beef loaded tater tots will be a hit at your next gathering.
The secret to this summer beef appetizer is the mix of crispy tater tots, juicy ground beef, and melted Colby jack cheese. You’ll need 32 ounces of frozen tater tots and 1 pound of 90% lean beef for the perfect crunch and protein. The beef is seasoned with spices like Slap ya mama seasoning, garlic powder, and more.
After cooking the beef and crisping the tater tots, it’s time to load them up. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Colby jack cheese on top and let it melt. Add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo and sour cream. This light beef snack is perfect for a warm summer day.
With about 591 calories per serving, these beefy tater tots are a delicious treat. They offer 42g of carbs, 27g of protein, and 36g of fat. Enjoy them fresh or store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
“These loaded tater tots are the perfect summer snack – they’re hearty, but still light and refreshing. The combination of the crispy tater tots, seasoned beef, and melted cheese is simply irresistible!”
simple beef dish for warm weather
When it gets hot, cooking can feel like a chore. But, there are many simple beef dish ideas that are great for summer beef dishes. These easy beef recipes and light beef meals are refreshing and full of flavor.
The Skillet Beef Enchiladas are a hit in the “Cook Once, Eat Twice” series. They’re all about efficient meal planning. The Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers are also popular, showing a shift towards cast iron over grilling.
Ground beef nachos are a favorite for quick dinners or snacks. They’re perfect for those looking for simple beef dish options. The Instant Pot ground beef recipe is also gaining fans for its ease and minimal cleanup.
| Recipe | Cooking Time | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole | 10 minutes hands-on, 3 hours in the oven or 5-6 hours on high/7-8 hours on low in the slow cooker | Calories: 305, Carbs: 11g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 13g |
These simple beef dish ideas are all about saving time and effort. They’re perfect for making your summer meals easy and delicious.
Beefy Nachos for Sharing
Looking for a dish that everyone will love? Try these beef nachos. They’re packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies. Plus, they have a variety of toppings that make them perfect for summer gatherings.
The key to these beefy nachos is the seasoned ground beef. It’s cooked with chili powder and spices for a rich flavor. Then, it’s placed on top of tortilla chips, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.
To make them even better, add cheese sauce, sour cream, and cilantro. This mix of warm beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings is hard to resist.
These beef nachos are great for any summer event. They’re easy to make and can be tailored to your guests’ preferences. So, get ready to enjoy a tasty and refreshing summer nachos experience!
Cheeseburger Casserole
Craving a cheeseburger but want something hearty and easy? This cheeseburger casserole is perfect. It has ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni. It’s great for a summer beef dish or an easy beef dinner.
It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and cooks in 1 hour and 20 minutes. With 217 reviews and a 5 out of 5 rating, it’s a hit with everyone.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Elbow macaroni | 8 oz (4 cups cooked) |
| Finely chopped onion | 2 cups (from 1 large onion) |
| Minced garlic | 1 tbsp (3 large cloves) |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/2 tsp plus more to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 (5.5 oz) can |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese, softened | 2 oz |
| Grated cheddar cheese | 2 1/2 cups, divided |
To make this cheeseburger casserole, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat, then add onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
After the vegetables soften, add tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer the mixture.
Then, mix in cooked elbow macaroni, cream cheese, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Put it in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy flavors. It has 478 calories, 37g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein per serving. It’s a satisfying summer beef dish for the whole family.
“This cheeseburger casserole is a game-changer! It’s so easy to make and tastes just like my favorite diner cheeseburger, but in a convenient one-dish meal. My family devours it every time I make it.”
Cool Beef Wraps
As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want meals that are light and refreshing. These beef wraps are perfect for that! They have tender, grilled beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. They’re great for a summer beef meal or a quick, light beef entree.
The wraps have a great mix of flavors and textures. The beef is savory and juicy, paired with crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. A tangy, slightly sweet dressing brings it all together. Creamy avocado adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
These beef wraps are also super customizable. You can change up the fillings to your liking. Or add some spice with sriracha or jalapeños. Plus, they’re ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) |
| Vegetables (e.g., carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) | Up to 2 cups |
| Dressing (tamari, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornflour, water) | 1 tbsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1 tbsp, 1 tbsp, 1 tbsp, 2 tbsp |
| Avocado | As desired |
| Lettuce Leaves | As needed |
Next time you want a cool beef dish for a summer beef meal, try these beef wraps. They’re light, flavorful, and you can make them your own. They’re sure to please your taste buds.
Beef Tostadas
Tostadas are great for summer. They have crispy corn tortilla shells, savory ground beef, and fresh toppings. This makes a light, satisfying dish perfect for warm weather.
The secret to beef tostadas is the mix of textures and temperatures. The crunchy shell, warm beef, cool lettuce, and creamy avocado topping work well together. You can change it up to fit your taste, making it great for summer or a quick dinner.
Ingredients for Flavorful Beef Tostadas
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, seasoned and browned
- 2 large avocados, mashed with 1/2 lime, 1 small jalapeño, 1 cup each cilantro and parsley, 1/3 cup olive oil, and 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Refried beans
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheese
- Additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, guacamole, and fresh herbs (optional)
This light beef meal is full of flavor. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick dinner. You can add your favorite taco toppings and the avocado chimichurri adds a cool twist.
To make it easier, use pre-made tostada shells or bake your own. You can also swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or shrimp for a seafood twist.
Serve these beef tostadas with extra toppings and sides like pozole or ceviche. Enjoy the perfect mix of crunch, savory, and refreshing flavors that make it a summer hit.
Grilled Beef Burgers
As summer arrives, nothing beats a grilled beef burger. It’s a classic that’s perfect for warm weather. Enjoy it in your backyard for a satisfying meal.
The secret to these summer beef burgers is a simple recipe. Use top-notch ground beef, season it well, and grill until charred. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for a refreshing burger.
What makes these easy beef grilling burgers stand out is their flexibility. Serve them on buns for a classic cookout or on lettuce leaves for a lighter option. Either way, they’re a hit for warm weather.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 |
So, fire up the grill and get ready for grilled beef burgers. They’re easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your backyard.
Beef and Veggie Salad
Craving a light yet satisfying meal? Look no further than this refreshing beef salad! It combines tender, seasoned ground beef with crisp summer vegetables. It’s the perfect light beef meal for a hot day.
The salad starts with fresh greens, a nutritious base. The seasoned beef adds a protein boost. Crunchy bell peppers and cucumbers add a refreshing contrast. A tangy dressing completes the meal, making it balanced and light.
This beef salad is also very versatile. You can add your favorite summer produce like cherry tomatoes or radishes. The mix of tender beef and crisp veggies makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Looking for a quick dinner or a refreshing lunch? This cool beef dish is perfect. Try it and enjoy a perfect mix of protein, fiber, and fresh flavors in every bite!
Conclusion
This collection of simple beef dishes is perfect for warm weather. It shows how beef can be part of light, easy meals for summer. You’ll find recipes like taco salads, enchiladas, walking tacos, and loaded tater tots.
These dishes are full of flavor but won’t make your kitchen hot. The secret is grilling, no-cook recipes, and cool salads and wraps. This way, you can enjoy beef all summer without feeling too hot.
Whether you need a quick meal or something to share, there’s something here for everyone. So, get ready to grill, pick some fresh veggies, and enjoy a summer filled with tasty beef dishes. They’re sure to make your taste buds happy and keep you feeling cool.