Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or something more elaborate for a special occasion, these 20 ground beef recipes are sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the recipes!

1. Classic Beef Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 hamburger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard

Steps:

• Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
• In a bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
• Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
• Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
• Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Tip: For extra juicy burgers, mix a tablespoon of cold butter into the ground beef before shaping the patties.

2. Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
• Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Add a splash of milk to the sauce while simmering—it helps tenderize the beef and adds richness.

3. Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Steps:

• In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
• Fill each taco shell with the seasoned beef and top with your favorite toppings.

Tip: Warm your taco shells over an open flame for a few seconds to add a subtle smoky flavor.

4. Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tip: For a crispy, golden top, brush the mashed potatoes with melted butter before baking.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
• Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Tip: Pre-roast the bell peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing them for a softer texture and deeper flavor.

6. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice for serving

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Cook until the sauce thickens.
• Serve over cooked rice.

Tip: Blanch the broccoli in hot water for 30 seconds before stir-frying to keep it vibrant and tender.

7. Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined and shape into a loaf.
• Place the loaf in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist and prevent it from falling apart.

8. Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce.
• Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve with optional toppings.

Tip: Lightly fry the tortillas before filling to prevent them from getting soggy in the sauce.

9. Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked egg noodles for serving

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
• Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
• Stir in the sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
• Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Tip: Stir in the sour cream at the very end and remove from heat immediately to prevent curdling.

10. Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns

Steps:

• In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve the beef mixture on hamburger buns.

Tip: Toast the buns before assembling to prevent them from getting too soggy from the filling.

11. Beef Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Steps:

• In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with cheese, add a layer of beef, and top with more cheese.
• Place another tortilla on top and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
• Cut into wedges and serve with optional toppings.

Tip: Sprinkle a little cheese on the tortilla before adding the beef—it helps hold everything together when flipping.

12. Beef Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Steps:

• In a large pot, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve with optional toppings.

Tip: Let the chili simmer longer (up to an hour) for a deeper, richer flavor.

13. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in 1 cup of the marinara sauce.
• In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
• Stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture and a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
• Spread the remaining marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to easily fill the shells.

14. Beef and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
• In a baking dish, layer the diced potatoes, beef mixture, and soup mixture.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.

Tip: Parboil the potatoes before baking to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

15. Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheese.
• Stir in the beef mixture and season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Tip: Use broth instead of water when cooking the rice for added flavor.

16. Beef and Bean Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Steps:

• In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
• Spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla. Add a layer of beef and sprinkle with cheese.
• Roll up the tortillas and serve with optional toppings.

Tip: Toast the burritos in a skillet for a crispy outer layer before serving.

17. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice for serving

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage. Cook until the sauce thickens.
• Serve over cooked rice.

Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

18. Beef and Spinach Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the marinara sauce.
• In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
• In a baking dish, layer the lasagna noodles, beef mixture, cheese mixture, and spinach.
• Repeat the layers and top with the remaining cheese.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.

19. Beef and Mushroom Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
• Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
• Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a pie dish.
• Roll out the puff pastry and place it over the beef mixture. Trim the edges and cut a few slits in the top.
• Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Tip: Chill the filling before adding the puff pastry to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.

20. Beef and Zucchini Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or pasta for serving

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the zucchini and cook until slightly softened.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
• Serve over cooked rice or pasta.

Tip: Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

Ground beef is a fantastic ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and satisfying meals. From classic dishes like burgers and meatloaf to more creative recipes like stuffed bell peppers and beef enchiladas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These 20 ground beef recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Try them out and watch as your family and friends devour every last bite!