Ground Beef Shakshuka Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner with Eggs

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If you’re searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table, this Ground Beef Shakshuka is about to become your new favorite. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines seasoned ground beef with aromatic spices, sweet peppers, and perfectly poached eggs in a rich tomato sauce. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that looks and tastes impressive but comes together in just 30 minutes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for healthy dinner recipes, or need lazy dinners that don’t compromise on flavor, this shakshuka checks all the boxes. The combination of cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs creates layers of flavor that transform simple ground meat into something extraordinary. Plus, the eggs poached right in the sauce add protein and create a luxurious, creamy texture when you break into them.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Shakshuka

This recipe stands out among ground meat recipes for dinner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly forgiving – you can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add your favorite vegetables. Second, it’s budget-friendly while still feeling special enough for guests. Third, the make-ahead capability means you can prepare the base sauce in advance and simply add the eggs when ready to serve.

• Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
• One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and bold Mediterranean flavors
• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Easily customizable to your taste preferences
• Make-ahead friendly for meal prep

Essential Equipment

To make this delicious shakshuka, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. A large frying pan or skillet with a lid is essential for cooking the sauce and poaching the eggs. You’ll also want a good cutting board and sharp chef’s knives for prepping your vegetables, plus measuring cups and spoons for accurate seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The key is using quality ground beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Ground Beef Shakshuka. The process is straightforward, making this one of the best quick and easy dinner recipes for any night of the week.

Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by preparing all your vegetables, which makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Use your cutting board and chef’s knives to peel and slice the onions into half or quarter rings depending on their size. Core the red peppers and cut them into slices. Having everything prepped and ready ensures even cooking.

1. Peel and slice the onions in half or quarter rings, depending on size
2. Core the peppers and cut in slices
3. Crush the garlic cloves
4. Chop the fresh parsley and cilantro
5. If using fresh thyme, remove leaves from stem and chop

Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a large shallow frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory elements of the dish.

6. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in your large skillet
7. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softening
8. Add the sliced peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes
9. The vegetables should be tender but still have some texture

Add Aromatics and Spices

This is where the magic happens. Add the crushed garlic, ground cumin, paprika, chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of cilantro, and thyme to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. You’ll notice the incredible aromas as the spices toast and release their essential oils. This step is crucial for developing the complex flavors that make this one of the best dinner ideas with ground beef.

10. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, parsley, 2 tablespoons cilantro, and thyme
11. Stir well to coat the vegetables with spices
12. Cook for 2 minutes until starting to brown slightly
13. The kitchen should smell absolutely incredible at this point

Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The beef will pick up all those wonderful spices and aromatics you’ve already developed in the pan.

14. Add the ground beef to the pan
15. Break up the meat with your kitchen utensils
16. Brown thoroughly, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes
17. Ensure no pink remains in the meat

Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The sauce will thicken slightly and become rich and aromatic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can cool and store the sauce if you’re meal prepping.

18. Add the 28 oz can of chopped tomatoes
19. Stir well to combine everything
20. Simmer on medium-low for 15-20 minutes
21. Season with salt and pepper to taste
22. The sauce can be made ahead and stored at this stage

Poach the Eggs

When ready to serve, reheat the sauce if necessary. Using the back of a large spoon, create four indentations in the sauce. Crack one egg into each indentation. Chop the feta cheese into small chunks and sprinkle it over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for about 5 minutes. You want the whites to be just set and the yolks still runny.

23. Reheat the sauce if made in advance
24. Create 4 indentations in the sauce with a spoon
25. Crack one egg into each indentation
26. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over everything
27. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes
28. Baste the egg whites with sauce halfway through if needed
29. Whites should be set, yolks still slightly soft

Final Touches and Serving

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, sprinkle the remaining cilantro over the top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pita, or flatbread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce.

30. Remove from heat when eggs reach desired doneness
31. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro over the top
32. Serve hot with bread for dipping
33. Each person gets one egg with plenty of sauce

Pro Tips for Perfect Shakshuka

To elevate this already delicious dish, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t skip the simmering time: The 15-20 minute simmer is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors
• Use quality ground beef: Lean beef (90%) provides the best texture without excess grease
• Fresh herbs matter: While dried thyme works, fresh parsley and cilantro are non-negotiable for authentic flavor
• Control egg doneness: Cover the pan for firmer yolks, leave uncovered for very runny yolks
• Baste the whites: Spoon sauce over the egg whites if they’re cooking unevenly
• Season gradually: Add salt and pepper after the sauce simmers to prevent over-salting
• Make it ahead: The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some popular variations:

Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken: Use ground chicken recipes techniques for a leaner option
• Ground lamb: Adds rich, authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Mixed beef and sausage: Combine ground beef with Italian sausage for extra spice
• Vegetarian version: Omit meat entirely and add chickpeas or lentils

Spice Adjustments

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Use smoked paprika instead of sweet for deeper flavor
• Include a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
• Add harissa paste for authentic North African taste

Vegetable Additions

• Diced zucchini or eggplant
• Spinach or kale stirred in at the end
• Cherry tomatoes for extra freshness
• Jalapeños for a spicy kick

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Shakshuka is incredibly versatile and can be served at any meal:

• For breakfast or brunch: Serve with toasted sourdough and fresh fruit
• For lunch: Pair with a simple green salad and hummus
• For dinner: Serve with rice, couscous, or quinoa on the side
• As appetizer: Serve in smaller portions with pita chips for dipping

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights:

• Refrigeration: Store the sauce (without eggs) in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm the sauce in a frying pan over medium heat, then add fresh eggs
• Make-ahead tip: Prep vegetables the night before and store in your refrigerator

Nutritional Benefits

This dish isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious and fits into healthy dinner recipes categories:

• High in protein from both beef and eggs
• Rich in vitamins A and C from peppers and tomatoes
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil
• Good source of iron and B vitamins
• Packed with antioxidants from spices and herbs
• Low-carb and keto-friendly when served without bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that it’s leaner, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to prevent drying out. This makes it one of the great ground chicken recipes alternatives (turkey and chicken cook similarly).

How do I know when the eggs are done?

The whites should be opaque and set, while the yolks should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan. This typically takes 5-7 minutes with the lid on. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for 2-3 minutes longer.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes! While eggs are traditional, you can serve the meat and tomato sauce over rice, pasta, or with bread as a hearty stew. It’s still one of the best easy meals with ground beef even without the eggs.

What’s the best type of pan to use?

A large, shallow frying pan or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best. The wide surface area helps the sauce reduce properly and gives you room for all four eggs. A 12-inch pan is ideal.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a very large pan or two separate pans. The cooking times remain the same, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the simmering time for the sauce to thicken properly with the extra volume.

Is shakshuka spicy?

This version is mild and flavorful rather than spicy. The paprika and cumin add warmth and depth without heat. If you want it spicy, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

What kind of bread should I serve with it?

Crusty sourdough, pita bread, naan, or any hearty bread works beautifully. The bread is essential for soaking up all the delicious sauce – it’s half the experience!

Can I prep the entire dish ahead?

You can prep the sauce completely ahead of time, but add the eggs fresh when ready to serve. Precooked eggs don’t reheat well and can become rubbery. The sauce, however, actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight.

Why This Recipe Works

This Ground Beef Shakshuka succeeds as one of the best hamburger meat recipes because it hits all the right notes: it’s quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly poached eggs creates a complete meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.

The layering of flavors is key – first building sweetness with the onions and peppers, then adding depth with spices, richness with the beef, and finally brightness with fresh herbs. Each component plays an important role, and the result is a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it really took just 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for lazy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, quick and easy dinner recipes for meal prep, or simply want to try something new with ground beef, this shakshuka delivers on all fronts. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting yet exciting, familiar yet exotic.

The best part? Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it endlessly to suit your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your cooking rotation, perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to impressive weekend brunches.

Give this Ground Beef Shakshuka a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite easy meals with ground beef. The combination of savory meat, vibrant sauce, and creamy eggs is simply irresistible. Your family will be asking for it again and again!

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Ground Beef Shakshuka Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner with Eggs

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This Mediterranean-inspired Ground Beef Shakshuka combines seasoned beef, sweet peppers, and perfectly poached eggs in a rich tomato sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

1 large onion (or 2 small), peeled and sliced 2 red bell peppers, cored and sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground paprika 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped and divided 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh) 12 oz lean ground beef (90%) 28 oz canned chopped tomatoes (1 large can) 4 large eggs 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice the onions in half or quarter rings. Core the peppers and cut into slices. Heat olive oil in a large shallow pan or skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sliced peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, parsley, 2 tablespoons cilantro, and thyme. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until starting to brown slightly. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. When ready to serve, reheat sauce if needed. Create 4 indentations in the sauce with the back of a spoon. Crack one egg into each indentation. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, basting the egg whites with sauce halfway through if needed, until whites are set but yolks are still soft. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro over the top and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Notes

The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add fresh eggs when ready to serve. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the other spices. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the beef. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add chickpeas or lentils instead. The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Use a 12-inch skillet for best results – it provides enough room for all 4 eggs. For firmer yolks, cook covered for 7-8 minutes instead of 5.