21 Beef Recipes Built for Bold, No-Apology Eating

Beef doesn’t hold back, and these recipes make sure you don’t either. We pulled together twenty-one dishes built for bold, no-apology eating that brings real flavor to every bite. We lean on powerful seasoning, solid technique, and cuts that were made to show up strong on the plate. With our picks, beef gets the spotlight and keeps the meal running at full strength.

Chimichurri steak grilled hot and topped with bright herb sauce. — Chimichurri Steak. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils

Low heat breaks down the beef while lentils stay firm. The slow cooker keeps everything thick and steady.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils

Perfect Steak Alfredo

Steak Alfredo with sliced steak over creamy pasta. — Perfect Steak Alfredo. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick sear gives the steak a bold crust before hitting creamy sauce. The pasta stays silky thanks to controlled heat.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Steak Alfredo

Smashed Crack Burgers

A hard smash creates crisp edges and a juicy center. The fast cook locks in strong beef flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Crack Burgers

Smoked Brisket Chili

Smoked brisket deepens the pot with bold, layered flavor. A long simmer keeps the texture rich.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Steak Fajitas

High heat chars the steak fast while peppers soften. Resting the slices keeps the juices tight.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajitas

Cast Iron Skillet Steak

Cast iron hits hard heat for a deep, even sear. The pan’s control keeps the center tender.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Steak

Guinness Beef Stew

Guinness reduces into a dark, savory broth as the beef softens. Slow simmering gives the stew steady depth.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Smoked prime rib cooked on a pellet grill with a smoky crust. — Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pellet heat holds the roast at perfect temp for a rosy center. A hot finish gives the crust strong smoke.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Boiled Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned beef and cabbage simmered until tender with soft vegetables. — Boiled Corned Beef and Cabbage. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A gentle boil keeps the corned beef tender while the cabbage softens even. The pot seasons everything naturally.
Get the Recipe: Boiled Corned Beef and Cabbage

Cowboy Butter Burgers

Hot griddle heat sears the patties before cowboy butter melts over them. The mix keeps every bite rich and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Butter Burgers

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Slow cooked beef and barley soup with tender short ribs. — Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow cooking breaks the ribs down into a deep, beefy broth. Barley stays firm with low, steady heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili

Smoked beef shank chili cooked over the top for deep smoky flavor. — Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke drips straight into the pot while the shank cooks tender. The chili thickens on its own with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili

Beer Braised 48 Hour Sous Vide Short Ribs

Sous vide short ribs braised in beer until fall-apart tender. — Beer Braised 48 Hour Sous Vide Short Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sous vide guarantees perfect texture before the beer braise adds depth. A quick sear finishes the crust clean.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised 48 Hour Sous Vide Short Ribs

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Airflow sears the bites fast for crisp edges and juicy centers. The butter cooks clean without burning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sous Vide Hanger Steak Frites

Sous vide hanger steak served with crisp frites. — Sous Vide Hanger Steak Frites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sous vide keeps the hanger steak incredibly tender before searing hot. Crisp fries finish the classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Hanger Steak Frites

Roast Beef Sliders with Horseradish Sauce

Roast beef sliders with tender beef and creamy horseradish sauce. — Roast Beef Sliders with Horseradish Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thin beef warms gently for tender bites while the sauce adds sharp heat. Toasted buns keep everything tight.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders with Horseradish Sauce

Broiled Hanger Steak Tacos with Chimichurri

Hanger steak tacos broiled hot and topped with chimichurri. — Broiled Hanger Steak Tacos with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Broiling builds fast char on the steak before slicing thin. Chimichurri adds bright, clean flavor without heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Broiled Hanger Steak Tacos with Chimichurri

French Onion Meatballs

Searing locks in moisture before the onion gravy reduces rich. Low simmering keeps the meatballs tender.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatballs

Easy Beef Pot Pie

A close-up of a beef and vegetable pie with a golden, flaky crust. A triangular segment is removed, revealing chunks of beef and vegetables in a savory sauce inside the pie. The crust is lightly seasoned with herbs. — Easy Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

The oven crisps the pastry while the beef filling stays hearty. Steady heat keeps the gravy smooth.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

A ladle of beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and parsley in a rich brown sauce. — Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooking softens the beef while the wine reduces deep. The method keeps the sauce glossy and stable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon