If you’re looking for delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meals, ground beef recipes are a must-have in your weekly dinner rotation. Ground beef is versatile, cooks quickly, and pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for everything from tacos to casseroles and pasta dishes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, these tried-and-true ground beef dishes deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
In this article, we’re rounding up 25 of the best ground beef recipes that are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos
A timeless favorite. Sauté ground beef with taco seasoning, then pile into crunchy or soft taco shells. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Perfect for Taco Tuesday—or any night of the week.
2. Ground Beef Chili
Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of chili. Combine ground beef with beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, onions, and bell peppers. Let it simmer and serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.
3. Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet
One-pan meals save time and dishes. Cook ground beef, add marinara sauce and cooked pasta, then stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Cover until melted and gooey. Quick and family-friendly!
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out colorful bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and spices. Bake until tender and top with cheese for a savory, nutrient-rich dinner.
5. Homemade Beef Burgers
Skip the drive-thru. Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Form patties and grill or pan-fry. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like pickles, onions, and ketchup.
6. Ground Beef Stroganoff
A creamy twist on a Russian classic. Sauté beef with onions and garlic, then stir in mushrooms, sour cream, and beef broth. Serve over egg noodles for a cozy, satisfying meal.
7. Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting casserole features ground beef layered with vegetables and rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden for a satisfying and hearty dinner.
8. Ground Beef Enchiladas
Roll ground beef in flour tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve with rice, beans, and guacamole for a Mexican-inspired feast.
9. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Swap out steak for ground beef in this takeout-inspired dish. Stir-fry beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and broccoli florets. Serve over rice or noodles.
10. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Sauté ground beef with taco spices, spread onto flour tortillas with cheese, and grill until crispy. Slice into wedges and dip in salsa or sour cream.
11. Sloppy Joes
A kid-friendly classic! Cook beef with onions, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve on hamburger buns for a sweet and savory sandwich everyone will love.
12. Beef Lasagna
Layer cooked ground beef with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, and mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a rich, satisfying Italian-style meal.
13. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, wrap seasoned beef in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Add chopped veggies and a drizzle of soy or sriracha mayo for a fresh, healthy dinner.
14. Taco Salad with Ground Beef
Turn taco night into a salad! Top romaine or iceberg lettuce with ground beef, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips. Add sour cream or a spicy ranch dressing.
15. Ground Beef Meatballs
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan, and herbs. Roll into meatballs and bake or pan-fry. Serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti or enjoy as a party appetizer.
16. Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
A budget-friendly skillet meal that’s both tasty and healthy. Sauté ground beef with shredded cabbage, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Add chili flakes for heat.
17. Cheeseburger Casserole
All your burger cravings—baked into one dish. Combine ground beef, pasta, cheese, tomatoes, and pickles. Bake until bubbly for a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole.
18. Beef and Rice Bowls
Cook ground beef with garlic, onions, and soy sauce, then serve over steamed rice. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a fried egg for a Korean-inspired beef bowl.
19. Ground Beef Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with seasoned beef, black beans, jalapeños, and cheese. Bake until melty, then top with salsa, sour cream, and green onions for the ultimate snack or party food.
20. Beef Empanadas
Wrap ground beef, onions, and spices in pastry dough, then bake or fry. These handheld meat pies are perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or as a quick dinner idea.
21. Korean Ground Beef
Quick and easy! Brown ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve over jasmine rice with steamed veggies and a sprinkle of green onions.
22. Taco Stuffed Potatoes
Bake russet potatoes and top with taco-seasoned beef, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese. An easy twist on taco night that’s hearty and filling.
23. Beef and Zucchini Skillet
Low-carb and packed with flavor. Sauté beef with sliced zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and Italian seasoning. Great for meal prep or a light summer dinner.
24. Ground Beef Goulash
This American-style goulash combines beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings into a one-pot meal that’s warm, nostalgic, and ultra comforting.
25. Ground Beef Breakfast Hash
Start your day strong! Brown beef with diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Top with a fried egg or two for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Why Ground Beef Is the MVP of Weeknight Dinners
- Affordable: Ground beef is cost-effective and widely available.
- Versatile: Use it in tacos, soups, casseroles, stir fries, and more.
- Quick to cook: Most ground beef recipes take less than 30 minutes.
- Kid-friendly: Picky eaters love familiar favorites like burgers and spaghetti.
- Freezer-friendly: Cook in bulk and freeze portions for later.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef Perfectly
- Use the right fat content: 80/20 is ideal for flavor and moisture; drain excess grease if needed.
- Season generously: Ground beef loves bold seasonings like garlic, onion, chili powder, and cumin.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
- Drain and rinse (optional): For leaner meals, drain or even rinse beef after browning.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or planning meals for the week, these ground beef recipes are the perfect solution. From cheesy casseroles to fresh lettuce wraps and hearty pasta dishes, ground beef offers something for every taste and dietary preference.
So grab that pack of ground beef from your fridge and get ready to cook up something delicious tonight. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for tasty, comforting meals that bring everyone to the table.