If you’re staring at a pack of ground beef and wondering what to cook tonight, you’re in the right place. Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your fridge or freezer. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, a family of four, or just yourself, this budget-friendly protein can be turned into something hearty, comforting, and delicious.
From tacos to casseroles, pasta dishes to soups, here are 12 recipes with ground beef that are perfect for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without breaking the bank.
1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Quick, customizable, and kid-friendly
Tacos are a ground beef staple—and for good reason. Brown some beef in a skillet, add taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), and serve it in soft or hard taco shells. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Pro tip: Make it healthier by swapping in Greek yogurt for sour cream.
2. Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Comfort food at its best
This cheesy, creamy casserole layers seasoned ground beef with thinly sliced potatoes and melty cheese. Bake it until bubbly and golden on top.
Best for: Cold nights when you want something hearty and filling.
3. One-Pot Beef and Macaroni
A homemade Hamburger Helper alternative
This one-pot recipe is perfect for busy nights. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic, then add tomato sauce, broth, and elbow macaroni. Let everything simmer together until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens.
Bonus: Easy cleanup!
4. Ground Beef Chili
A spicy, hearty bowl of comfort
Chili is a classic way to use up ground beef. Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a little cocoa powder for depth. Simmer for 30–45 minutes.
Serve with: Cornbread, sour cream, and shredded cheddar.
5. Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
A colorful, nutritious meal
Slice bell peppers in half and stuff them with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian spices. Top with mozzarella or cheddar and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Vegetable-packed and great for meal prep.
6. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Creamy, rich, and comforting
Swap out expensive cuts of beef for ground beef in this simplified stroganoff. Sauté onions, mushrooms, and beef, then stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Perfect for: Cozy comfort meals in 30 minutes.
7. Homemade Sloppy Joes
Better than the can—and just as fast
Forget the store-bought sauce. Mix ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar with browned ground beef for a perfectly tangy, sweet, and savory sandwich filling.
Serve on: Toasted buns with pickles or chips on the side.
8. Ground Beef Enchiladas
Bold, cheesy, and full of flavor
Roll seasoned ground beef in flour tortillas, place in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly. These are freezer-friendly and make excellent leftovers.
Top with: Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños.
9. Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Quick, sweet, and savory
Sauté ground beef with garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Serve it over rice and top with scallions and sesame seeds. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like it took all day.
Try it with: Stir-fried veggies or kimchi on the side.
10. Ground Beef Lasagna Skillet
All the lasagna flavor, none of the layering
Layering lasagna can be time-consuming. This skillet version uses ground beef, tomato sauce, broken lasagna noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella—all cooked in one pan.
Perfect for: A lazy lasagna fix on a weeknight.
11. Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting classic with creamy mashed potatoes
Make a flavorful beef and veggie filling with onions, carrots, and peas. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown. This dish freezes well and makes excellent leftovers.
Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
12. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Low-carb, high-flavor option
Cook ground beef with garlic, soy sauce, and hoisin, then spoon into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a flavor-packed, light meal.
Ideal for: Healthy lunches or low-carb dinners.
Final Thoughts: Ground Beef is the Weeknight Hero
Whether you’re short on time, feeding picky eaters, or just looking for comfort food that hits the spot, these 12 recipes with ground beef deliver on flavor, flexibility, and ease. Keep ground beef stocked in your freezer, and you’ll always have the base for something delicious.
From spicy tacos to creamy casseroles, simple stir-fries to slow-simmered chili, there’s a ground beef recipe for every craving and occasion. Try mixing up the seasonings or adding veggies to make each one your own.
So the next time you ask, “What can I make with ground beef?” — you’ve got 12 delicious answers.