When you need a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and loved by everyone at the table, ground beef is your go-to ingredient. These 11 easy and fast family-friendly ground beef dinners are perfect for busy weeknights, offering satisfying flavors without long prep times. From hearty casseroles to fun handheld meals, each recipe is designed to make cooking stress-free while keeping the whole family happy.
Kick things off with classic spaghetti with meat sauce, a timeless favorite that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Or try cheesy beef and rice skillet, where everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup. Sloppy Joes bring a nostalgic touch—sweet, savory, and easy to whip up for a casual dinner.
For something with a little spice, taco night is always a hit. You can also turn that same seasoned beef into taco salad bowls for a fresh, lighter twist. If comfort food is what you’re after, shepherd’s pie layers seasoned beef with vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a warm, filling meal.
Families that love pasta will enjoy baked ziti with ground beef, bubbling with marinara and melted cheese. For a handheld option, beef quesadillas are quick to make and perfect for dipping into salsa or sour cream. Stuffed bell peppers bring both flavor and nutrition, with seasoned beef and rice baked inside tender peppers.
When you want a fun dinner idea, homemade beef sliders are bite-sized but big on flavor—ideal for picky eaters or game night snacks. And if you’re really short on time, ground beef stir-fry with vegetables and a savory sauce comes together in just 15 minutes.
With these easy ground beef dinners, you’ll have a variety of quick, tasty options to rotate through the week. They’re all simple to prepare, use affordable ingredients, and best of all—guaranteed to please even the toughest little food critics.
Quick Chili
Super-easy and super-fast, this quick-cooking chili is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside
Gyros Burgers
Burgers are often the first recipe we think of when using ground beef. This recipe adds a Greek twist, mixing ground lamb with the ground beef and calling for it to be served on pita bread rather than a hamburger bun. Watch the video to see how to make these tasty burgers.
American Chop Suey
Since this chop suey recipe only calls for five ingredients, you probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge to make it. Feel free to add cheese or garlic if you want to give it even more flavor.
Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili
If you’re using beef with a high fat ratio (see below for how to read ground beef labels), there’s no need to add water to the pan while cooking. If you have it on hand, a splash of beef stock will add extra flavor to the tomato sauce and seasoning. Here’s a handy video to put it all together for you.
Ground Beef With Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Preparing homemade taco seasoning for this ground beef recipe is really what makes it extra flavorful. After the meat is cooked, use it to top soft or crispy tacos, or wrap cooked beef in a lettuce leaf and top it with your favorite condiments or garnishes.
Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet
This simple recipe features browned ground beef simmered in a skillet with teriyaki sauce, water chestnuts, pineapple, garlic, and ginger. It’s ready in about 25 minutes. “A quick and easy one-pan, kid-friendly skillet dinner with sweet, rich, and flavorful meat and an Asian twist,” says lutzflcat. “The perfect weeknight dinner served with white rice.”
Ranch Burgers
The trick to making these moist and flavorful burgers is to mix ranch seasoning, crackers, and eggs into the ground beef before shaping it into patties. Garnish these burgers with your favorite toppings, and you’re ready for burger night!
Taco Pie
This quick and easy recipe is very filling and great for feeding a crowd. Store-bought refrigerated crescent dough and pre-made taco seasoning mix make it a breeze to put together and add tons of flavor.
Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl
“Your busy weeknight needs this dish,” says Buckwheat Queen. “It’s so simple to make, and it is super delicious and full of flavor. The first time I made it, I served it over rice. Second time, with rice noodles. Next time, I’ll take the advice of another reviewer and serve as tacos with cabbage. Leftovers warm easily, which is great when you’ve got teenage midnight grazers.”
Rice Mess
Kids will love the name of this dish—and parents will love how easy and filling it is. Several reviewers suggest adding chopped green bell peppers for additional color and flavor.
Barbeque Beef Casserole
This quick-and-easy pantry recipe is a family favorite that’s ready in about 40 minutes. “A wonderful, quick, and inexpensive recipe for those time crunched dinners,” says themamalion. “Just throw together and bake. Adjust your seasonings for your own taste.”
