Ground beef is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. From hearty comfort foods to lighter, flavor-packed meals, it’s the perfect base for countless recipes. These 10 easy ground beef recipe will help you create quick, satisfying dinners that the whole family will love—without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the biggest advantages of ground beef is how quickly it cooks, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you can transform it into flavorful dishes like taco night favorites, sloppy joes, or cheesy beef quesadillas. For those evenings when you want something more hearty, try classic beef chili or spaghetti with meat sauce—both family favorites that never go out of style.
If you’re looking for comfort food, ground beef has you covered. Think shepherd’s pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy beef casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. These dishes are warm, filling, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
For lighter options, ground beef works beautifully in stuffed bell peppers or zucchini boats, combining protein-rich meat with fresh vegetables for a balanced, delicious meal. You can also swap in lean ground beef to keep things healthier without sacrificing flavor.
International-inspired recipes are another way to keep things interesting. Try Korean beef bowls with rice and veggies, Greek beef pita wraps with tzatziki, or Mexican enchiladas for a quick flavor trip around the world. The beauty of ground beef is that it pairs well with almost any seasoning—from smoky barbecue to bold curry spices—so you can easily switch up the flavors to match your cravings.
These easy ground beef recipes are also budget-friendly. A single pound of ground beef can stretch into a full meal for the whole family, especially when paired with vegetables, grains, or pasta. You can also batch-cook ground beef, season it in different ways, and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick dinners throughout the week.
Cleanup is another bonus—many of these dishes are one-pot or sheet-pan meals, so you won’t be stuck washing a pile of dishes after dinner. That means more time enjoying your evening and less time scrubbing in the kitchen.
From kid-approved classics to bold, globally inspired flavors, these 10 easy ground beef recipes will keep your dinner rotation exciting and stress-free. With minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have at home, you can get a delicious, homemade meal on the table any night of the week.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, grab that pack of ground beef and one of these recipes—you’ll have a tasty, family-friendly dinner ready in no time.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
This baked tortellini casserole layers ground beef with cheese-filled pasta, marinara, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s a one-pan comfort meal that comes together with just a few pantry staples.
Taco Spaghetti
Taco seasoning and salsa turn a pot of spaghetti into something completely new. This dish combines seasoned beef with tender pasta, cheese, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s a fun mash-up that cooks all in one pot, saving time on cleanup.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
All the comfort of lasagna without the layering, this soup simmers low and slow with ground beef, tomato, and broken lasagna noodles.
Ground Beef Stroganoff
This skillet stroganoff skips the steak but keeps all the classic flavor with browned ground beef and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with egg noodles.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then baked until tender. They’re a great make-ahead option and naturally portioned for easy serving. Fresh parsley adds a pop of flavor at the end.
Hamburger Steak and Gravy
Thick hamburger patties are smothered in onion gravy for a meal that’s simple but loaded with flavor. The patties are seasoned with Worcestershire and garlic, giving them a deep, savory taste. It’s especially good served over mashed potatoes or rice.
Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta
This from-scratch version of hamburger helper uses a creamy cheese sauce and shell pasta for a nostalgic meal that’s even better than the box. It’s all done in one pot and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Paprika adds a warm, subtle kick.
Barbecue Shepherd’s Pie
Mashed potatoes top a layer of barbecue-sauced ground beef and corn in this twist on shepherd’s pie. The barbecue flavor adds a smoky-sweet note that makes it stand out from the classic version. It’s baked until the potatoes are golden and crisp on top.
Doritos Casserole Recipe
This layered casserole packs in crushed Doritos, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese for a crunchy, cheesy dinner with serious kid appeal. It bakes quickly and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream or diced tomatoes.
Pizza Joes
Pizza Joes are a saucy, cheesy twist on sloppy joes, blending Italian seasoning, ground beef, and pepperoni into a fun sandwich filling. They’re quick to make and great for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
