Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty family meal, or something to meal-prep for the week, ground beef has you covered. It’s budget-friendly, cooks quickly, and can take on a variety of flavors and cuisines.
If you’re wondering what to make with ground beef, we’ve rounded up 7 mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for any day of the week. From classic comfort foods to fresh new ideas, these dishes are simple, flavorful, and sure to be loved by the whole family.
1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Few dinners are as easy and crowd-pleasing as tacos. Ground beef soaks up all those taco seasonings beautifully, and you can customize them with endless toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 2/3 cup water
- 8 taco shells or tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Warm taco shells or tortillas.
- Fill with seasoned beef and your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Make a taco bar for a fun family dinner night — everyone gets to build their own!
2. Hearty Ground Beef Chili
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm bowl of chili. This recipe is loaded with flavor and is perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice.
Pro Tip: Chili always tastes better the next day, so make extra!
3. Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese make for a delicious and healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the tops off peppers and remove seeds. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Stir in rice, half the cheese, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture.
- Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes.
4. Ground Beef Stroganoff
This creamy, comforting pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring until smooth.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in sour cream.
- Toss with cooked egg noodles and serve warm.
5. Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A comfort food classic that combines flavorful beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet.
- Add vegetables, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Spread beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden.
6. Ground Beef Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs can be used for spaghetti, subs, or even served as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through.
Pro Tip: Freeze cooked meatballs for quick weeknight meals.
7. Ground Beef Sloppy Joes
Sweet, tangy, and messy in the best way possible — sloppy joes are a nostalgic family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spoon onto hamburger buns and serve.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef
- Choose the right fat content: 80/20 beef is great for juicy burgers and tacos, while leaner beef works better for casseroles and soups.
- Drain excess fat: This keeps dishes from becoming greasy.
- Season generously: Ground beef absorbs spices well, so don’t be shy with herbs and seasonings.
- Batch cook: Brown several pounds at once and freeze in portions for quick meals.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself “what to make with ground beef?”, these 7 recipes are your answer. From tacos and chili to stuffed peppers and sloppy joes, each dish is easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy families. Ground beef’s versatility means you can switch up seasonings, add veggies, and adjust flavors to match your taste.
So next time you have a pound of ground beef in your fridge, try one of these recipes — you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.