Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients, making it perfect for creating quick and delicious meals. From hearty casseroles to comforting soups, these 30 ground beef recipes will make dinner a breeze while satisfying your cravings.
1. Classic Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 small tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a little water, simmer until thickened.
- Warm tortillas in the oven or on a skillet.
- Fill each tortilla with seasoned beef and top with your favorite toppings.
Tip: For extra flavor, toast the tortillas on a dry skillet until slightly charred. This adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the seasoned beef.
2. Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Mix in cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and cooked pasta.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of mustard or pickle relish to the beef mixture for an authentic cheeseburger flavor.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce.
- Stuff the peppers with the beef mixture.
- Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Tip: Parboil the bell peppers for 3-4 minutes before stuffing to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in soy sauce and broccoli, cook for 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Serve over steamed rice for a quick and flavorful meal.
Tip: Add a splash of oyster sauce or sesame oil to the stir-fry for a richer, more complex flavor.
5. Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, and seasonings (such as garlic powder and onion powder).
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve.
Tip: Toast the hamburger buns lightly with butter for a crispy texture that holds up to the saucy filling.
6. Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and chili powder, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of coffee to deepen the flavor of the chili.
7. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package egg noodles
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in sour cream and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Tip: Use full-fat sour cream and add it at the very end to prevent curdling and maintain a creamy texture.
8. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved and hollowed out
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and stir in marinara sauce.
- Stuff the zucchini halves with the beef mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until zucchini is tender.
Tip: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking for a crunchy, golden finish.
9. Beef Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head lettuce, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Taco seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and stir in taco seasoning.
- Toss lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.
- Top with seasoned beef and your choice of dressings or toppings.
Tip: Use a mix of romaine and iceberg lettuce for a balance of crunch and freshness.
10. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and stir in mixed vegetables.
- Place the beef mixture in a casserole dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes and smooth evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tip: Add a layer of grated cheddar cheese between the beef and mashed potatoes for extra richness.
11. Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
- Place a tortilla on a skillet and sprinkle with cheese and beef.
- Top with another tortilla and cook on each side until golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions inside the quesadillas for a fresh, herby kick.
12. Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar tomato sauce
- 1 package spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain any fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve the sauce over noodles and top with Parmesan cheese.
Tip: Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
13. Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
- Add chopped cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for a subtle smoky flavor.
14. Beef and Potato Hash
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender.
- Stir in onions and bell peppers and cook until soft.
- Serve with a fried egg on top if desired.
Tip: Use leftover roasted potatoes for a quicker and more flavorful hash.
15. Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and stir in half the enchilada sauce.
- Fill tortillas with beef and roll them up.
- Place in a baking dish, pour remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Tip: Lightly fry the tortillas in oil before rolling to prevent them from becoming soggy in the oven.
16. Korean Beef Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups steamed rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
- Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar.
- Serve over steamed rice with vegetables.
Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness.
17. Beef Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg, then form into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then simmer in marinara sauce for 20 minutes.
- Serve with pasta or as a meatball sub.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
18. Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and mix with ricotta cheese.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the beef mixture.
- Arrange in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Tip: Mix a handful of chopped fresh basil into the ricotta mixture for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
19. Ground Beef Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and season as desired.
- Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with beef and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then top with your favorite nacho toppings.
Tip: Layer the chips, beef, and cheese in multiple layers for even distribution of toppings.
20. Ground Beef and Bean Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can refried beans
- 8 flour tortillas
- Toppings: cheese, salsa, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and mix with refried beans.
- Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas and wrap tightly.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Tip: Warm the tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 20 seconds to make them more pliable.
21. Beef and Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced carrots, onion, and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in lentils, beef broth, and thyme, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors.
22. Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup olives, chopped
- 1 package empanada dough discs
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Stir in onions, cumin, and olives and cook for 5 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then spoon it onto the center of the empanada discs.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef filling for a spicy kick.
23. Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and mix well.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish and top with frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until the tots are golden and crispy.
Tip: Mix a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce into the beef for a tangy, umami boost.
24. Thai Basil Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the fresh basil and cook for another minute until wilted.
- Serve over jasmine rice for a fragrant and spicy dish.
Tip: Use Thai holy basil if available for an authentic flavor, or substitute with regular basil and a pinch of mint.
25. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Tip: Use butter lettuce leaves for their sturdy, cup-like shape, which holds the filling well.
26. Beef and Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until soft.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Gradually add beef broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked.
- Stir in the browned ground beef and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tip: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
27. Ground Beef Pizza Topping
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Roll out the pizza dough and spread with pizza sauce.
- Add the browned ground beef as a topping and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef for a spicy pizza topping.
28. Beef Stuffed Eggplant
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large eggplants, halved and hollowed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cumin, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the eggplant halves with the beef mixture.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Tip: Brush the eggplant halves with olive oil before baking to prevent them from drying out.
29. Ground Beef and Vegetable Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain the fat.
- Add mixed vegetables and olive oil, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and serve hot as a quick and healthy meal.
Tip: Use frozen mixed vegetables for a quick and easy alternative to fresh ones.
30. Ground Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and mix with marinara sauce.
- In a baking dish, layer noodles, beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers and finish with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Tip: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and keep the layers intact.
Conclusion
Ground beef is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be transformed into countless meals. These 30 recipes offer everything from classic comfort food to exciting new flavors, ensuring your dinner routine stays fresh and satisfying. With these easy and tasty ideas, you can whip up effortless meals that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or healthy, there’s a ground beef recipe here for every occasion.