20 Easy Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Are you looking for quick and tasty meals to make with ground beef? You’re in luck! Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many easy and delicious recipes. From tacos to casseroles, ground beef dishes are often budget-friendly and can be ready in 30 minutes or less.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, these recipes will save you time and money. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up satisfying meals that everyone will love. Get ready to discover new favorites and add some variety to your weeknight dinner routine!

Spaghetti Bolognese

Ready to make a tasty spaghetti bolognese? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound spaghetti

Now, let’s cook!

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat.

  2. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook until veggies are soft.

  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well.

  4. Add parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.

  5. While the sauce cooks, boil your spaghetti according to package instructions.

  6. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

  7. Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and mix well.

Your quick and easy spaghetti bolognese is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your homemade Italian feast.

Cheeseburgers

You’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Form the beef into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side.

  4. Add cheese slices in the last minute of cooking.

  5. Toast the buns if you like.

  6. Place the patties on the buns and add your favorite toppings.

That’s it! You’ve got tasty cheeseburgers in about 15 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout.

Feel free to mix it up with different cheeses or toppings. You can even try stuffing the patties with cheese for an extra gooey treat.

Tacos

You’ll love these quick and tasty ground beef tacos! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8-10 taco shells
  • Your favorite toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc.)

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and add water. Stir well.

  3. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces.

  4. Warm your taco shells according to package instructions.

  5. Fill each shell with the seasoned beef and add your desired toppings.

That’s it! You’ve got delicious tacos ready in no time. Enjoy your easy weeknight dinner!

Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s an easy recipe for Shepherd’s Pie using ground beef:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add onions and carrots to the skillet. Cook until vegetables soften.

  3. Stir in peas, beef broth, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  5. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish.

  6. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.

  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Shepherd’s Pie!

Meatloaf

Ready to make a tasty meatloaf? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Now let’s get cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, onion, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.

  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.

  4. Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.

  5. Spread this sauce over the top of your meatloaf.

  6. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Enjoy your homemade meatloaf! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Beef Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to make a tasty beef lasagna:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
  • 1 box lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brown the beef in a pan, then mix in the pasta sauce. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and oregano.

Spread some meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then some of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and remaining mozzarella on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 more minutes until bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna! It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or group of friends.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

You’ll love this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 6 large bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.

  2. Mix the ground beef, rice, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a bowl.

  3. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.

  4. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

  5. Uncover, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 10 more minutes.

Your stuffed peppers are ready! They’re perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner. You can even freeze extras for later.

Chili Con Carne

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty chili:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s get cooking!

Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and green pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to bring out their flavors.

Pour in the tomatoes and beans. Give everything a good stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your chili hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions. Enjoy!

Sloppy Joes

You’ll love this easy Sloppy Joe recipe! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4-6 hamburger buns

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the veggies are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. Mix in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.

  4. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken up nicely.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. While the meat simmers, toast your hamburger buns if you’d like.

  7. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes! They’re great with a side of chips or a simple salad.

Beef Empanadas

You’ll need these ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package empanada dough rounds
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until veggies are soft.

  3. Stir in oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool.

  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  5. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each dough round.

  6. Fold the dough over and seal edges with a fork.

  7. Brush empanadas with beaten egg.

  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

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Your empanadas are ready! Serve them hot and enjoy your tasty creation.

Hamburger Helper

Ready for a quick and tasty meal? Let’s make some homemade Hamburger Helper! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in beef broth, milk, pasta, tomato sauce, and spices. Bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.

  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

That’s it! Your homemade Hamburger Helper is ready to serve. Enjoy your tasty, one-pot meal!

Beef Stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s cook!

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until veggies are soft and golden.

  3. Melt butter in the pan. Stir in flour to make a paste.

  4. Slowly pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly.

  5. Add egg noodles and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender.

  6. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Your beef stroganoff is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Beefy Quesadillas

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tbsp butter

Let’s get cooking!

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add taco seasoning, onion, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies soften.

  3. Melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan.

  4. Sprinkle cheese on half the tortilla. Add a scoop of the beef mixture on top.

  5. Fold the tortilla in half when the cheese starts to melt. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

  6. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

  7. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot.

Enjoy your cheesy, beefy quesadillas! They’re perfect for a quick dinner or tasty snack.

Meatballs

Ready to make some tasty meatballs? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a minute.

  3. Add the eggs, grated onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

  4. Add the ground beef to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overwork it!

  5. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.

  6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  7. Bake for about 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through.

Your meatballs are ready to enjoy! Serve them with pasta, in sandwiches, or however you like. They’re so versatile and yummy!

Beef Enchiladas

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 10 tortillas
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • Taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s make these yummy enchiladas!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

  2. Brown the beef and onion in a skillet. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add taco seasoning and a bit of water to the beef. Stir until mixed well.

  4. Spread some enchilada sauce in a baking dish.

  5. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and cheese. Roll them up and place in the dish.

  6. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.

  7. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

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Your beef enchiladas are ready to enjoy! Serve them hot and add your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.

Tater Tot Casserole

You’ll need these ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

  2. Brown the beef and onions in a skillet. Drain any extra fat.

  3. Spread the beef mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

  4. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Stir to combine.

  5. Top with a layer of frozen tater tots.

  6. Sprinkle cheese over the tater tots.

  7. Bake for 45 minutes until the tots are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights!

Beef Nachos

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced bell pepper
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Sour cream and salsa for topping

Now let’s make some tasty nachos!

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add the taco seasoning and stir well.

  4. Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.

  5. Layer the seasoned beef, refried beans, onions, and peppers over the chips.

  6. Sprinkle cheese on top.

  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Add jalapeños if you like it spicy!

  9. Top with sour cream and salsa.

Your nachos are ready to enjoy! Dig in and savor the delicious layers of flavor. These make a great snack for game day or a fun family dinner.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

  1. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, leaving a boat shape. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.

  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until golden, about 2-3 minutes.

  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

  5. Stir in bell pepper, reserved zucchini flesh, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet. Fill each with the beef mixture.

  8. Top with shredded cheese.

  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

Your stuffed zucchini boats are ready to serve! Enjoy this tasty, low-carb meal that’s perfect for using up summer zucchini.

Beef And Rice Skillet

You’ll love this quick and tasty beef and rice skillet! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can green chiles
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Add the rice, diced tomatoes, green chiles, beef broth, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine.

  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and let stand until cheese melts.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!

Beef Macaroni Casserole

You’ll love this easy beef macaroni casserole! It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 box macaroni and cheese
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add the chopped bell pepper to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cheese packet from the macaroni box.

  5. Mix in the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheese.

  6. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

  7. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy your cheesy, beefy casserole! It’s sure to become a family favorite.