Ground beef is one of the most versatile, budget-friendly, and flavor-rich ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the family, or craving something comforting, there are endless things to make with ground beef that don’t require complicated ingredients.

From juicy burgers and hearty casseroles to classic pasta dishes and international favorites, this guide includes 10 complete recipes you can make anytime. Each recipe is simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Let’s dive into the tastiest things to make with ground beef today!

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1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos

Why This Recipe Works

This is one of the easiest and most loved ground beef meals ever. It’s fast, customizable, and ideal for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Optional toppings: cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add spices, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
6. Fill taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

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2. Ground Beef Lasagna

Why This Recipe Works

Layers of pasta, cheese, and rich ground beef sauce—comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For Assembly:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Cook noodles and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic.
3. Add marinara sauce, seasoning, and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Layer noodles → ricotta → meat sauce → mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers and top with parmesan.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.

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3. Easy Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers
• 1 cup broccoli
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Cook ground beef until browned.
2. Add onions and vegetables. Stir fry 5 minutes.
3. Mix sauces, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
4. Pour over beef mixture.
5. Cook until vegetables are tender.
6. Serve over hot rice.

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4. Juicy Ground Beef Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Burger buns + toppings

Instructions

1. Mix beef with seasoning gently—don’t overwork.
2. Form into patties.
3. Cook on skillet or grill 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Add cheese if desired.
5. Assemble with buns and toppings.

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5. Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups thin-sliced potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Mix soup and milk in a bowl.
3. Layer potatoes → ground beef → cheese → sauce.
4. Repeat layers.
5. Cover and bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
6. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.

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6. One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook beef and onion until browned.
2. Add pasta, broth, sauce, and seasoning.
3. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes.
4. Stir in cheese and serve hot.

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7. Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
2. Cook beef with onions.
3. Mix beef, rice, seasoning, and tomato sauce.
4. Stuff peppers and top with cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.

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8. Ground Beef Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cups kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with onions.
2. Add spices and stir.
3. Add beans and tomatoes.
4. Simmer 25 minutes.
5. Serve with cheese or sour cream.

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9. Beef Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic

Instructions

1. Cook beef and set aside.
2. Scramble eggs.
3. Add rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and garlic.
4. Stir in beef and sesame oil.
5. Serve warm.

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10. Spicy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Tortillas

Instructions

1. Cook beef with onion and spices.
2. Heat a tortilla, add cheese and beef.
3. Cover with another tortilla.
4. Cook until golden on both sides.
5. Cut and serve with salsa.

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Final Thoughts: Endless Things to Make With Ground Beef

When you’re wondering things to make with ground beef, this list gives you a full range of easy and satisfying options—from tacos to casseroles, pasta, burgers, and more. Ground beef is perfect for quick meals, budget cooking, and family-friendly dishes.