15 Beef Ground Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals
Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens because it’s versatile and easy to use. You can create countless delicious dishes with ground beef that are both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a quick meal for yourself, these recipes offer something for everyone.
From classic comfort foods to creative new ideas, ground beef can be the star of your dinner table. You can turn this economical protein into savory meals that everyone will love, making it a go-to ingredient in your weekly meal planning.
1) Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Cheesy beef lasagna is a hearty dish that many people love. It’s filled with layers of noodles, savory ground beef, and lots of cheese. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
You start by cooking the ground beef with onions and garlic. Once it’s browned, mix in some sauce. Then, prepare a cheesy filling with ricotta, egg, and seasonings.
Next, layer everything in a baking dish. Start with a beef mixture, then some noodles, and your cheesy filling. Repeat these layers and finish with plenty of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces (680g) marinara sauce
- 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
- Combine ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread a layer of beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Place 3 noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat with more beef, noodles, and cheeses.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
2) Classic Beef Stroganoff
Classic Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that you can whip up in no time. It features tender beef strips cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is typically served over egg noodles or rice, making it a filling meal.
You can use different cuts of beef, but tender cuts work best. The sauce is made with sour cream, adding richness and flavor. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
- Add onion and cook until soft.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Add beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and mix in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over egg noodles or rice. Enjoy!
3) Hearty Beef Chili
Hearty beef chili is a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or chilly nights. It combines ground beef with beans, spices, and vegetables. This meal is filling and flavorful, making it a family favorite.
To prepare your chili, start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, followed by chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are tender.
Next, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Once the beef is cooked, mix in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add canned tomatoes and beans, then stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to blend.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add crushed tomatoes and kidney beans.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4) Beef Tacos with Avocado
Beef tacos with avocado are a delicious and easy meal to prepare. You can use seasoned ground beef for a flavorful base. The soft, creamy avocado adds a nice touch.
Start by warming your tortillas. You can use flour or corn, depending on your preference. Once heated, fill them with your cooked ground beef.
Top your tacos with freshly sliced avocado, along with other favorites like cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
This combination makes for a tasty and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned (160°F / 70°C).
- Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Fill tortillas with ground beef.
- Top with avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
5) Savory Beef Meatloaf
Savory beef meatloaf is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Mixing ground beef with simple ingredients gives you a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
To keep your meatloaf moist, consider using a blend of ground beef and pork. Adding crushed cheese crackers can enhance the flavor and texture.
You can also top your meatloaf with a tangy sauce that caramelizes in the oven. This makes each bite flavorful and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, cheese crackers, milk, egg, and seasoning salt.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
6) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef
Stuffed bell peppers with beef make a delicious and colorful meal. They are easy to prepare and perfect for dinner any night of the week. You can use different bell pepper colors to make the dish even more appealing.
For this recipe, you’ll fill bell peppers with a mix of cooked rice, ground beef, and tasty seasonings. You can top it with cheese and bake until everything is warm and bubbly.
These peppers not only look great but also taste fantastic. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables while getting your protein and carbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- Mix in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper.
- Place them in a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
7) One-Pot Beef Goulash
One-pot beef goulash is a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make. This dish usually includes ground beef, pasta, and a tasty tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling.
Start by cooking your ground beef in a large pot until it’s no longer pink. Add chopped onions and bell peppers for flavor. Once they soften, stir in garlic and any spices you like.
Next, mix in the tomato sauce and uncooked macaroni. Pour in some water or broth, then cover and let it simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender and everything is well mixed.
You can serve goulash with cheese on top for added flavor. It’s a meal that both kids and adults enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in the tomato sauce and water or broth.
- Add the macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
8) Beef and Bean Burritos
Beef and bean burritos are a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. They are perfect for busy nights and can be customized to your liking.
To start, you cook ground beef in a skillet until it’s browned and add in refried beans. You can also mix in some cheese, onions, or spices for extra flavor.
Next, place the filling in a tortilla, fold it up, and you’re ready to go. You can serve these burritos with salsa or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) refried beans
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- 1-1/3 cups enchilada sauce
- Flour tortillas
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170-180°F (77-82°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the refried beans and continue mixing until well combined.
- Place the filling into each tortilla and fold them.
- Arrange the burritos in a baking dish and pour enchilada sauce on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
9) Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that combines ground beef with a rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you have friends over.
Start by chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook these in olive oil until soft. Then, add your ground beef and brown it well.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This helps develop the flavors.
While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spaghetti
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft.
- Add ground beef and brown it thoroughly.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti and mix with sauce.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
10) Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are a delicious way to enjoy ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas. You can make them with simple ingredients found in your pantry. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking your ground beef in a skillet until it’s browned. Mix in some taco seasoning for flavor.
Then, roll the beef mixture in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
Top the enchiladas with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly when they are ready.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Stir in the taco seasoning.
- Roll the beef mixture in corn tortillas.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
11) Juicy Beef Burgers
Making juicy beef burgers is simple and rewarding. Start with quality ground beef that has enough fat for flavor. Ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio is a great choice.
You can add ingredients like Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste. A large egg can help bind the mixture for better shape while cooking.
Shape the beef into patties and ensure they are even in size. This helps them cook evenly.
Grill or cook on a stovetop at medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), for perfect burgers.
Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground chuck (80/20)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Form into even patties.
- Preheat the grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Check the internal temperature; it should be 160°F (71°C).
12) Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal. You can make it in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Using ground beef instead of strips saves time and keeps it easy.
To make this dish, you will need fresh broccoli and flavorful sauces to bring it all together. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
13) Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish made with ground beef and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for using up leftover meat and vegetables. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients.
To start, brown the ground beef with onions and your choice of vegetables. Peas and carrots work well in this recipe. Once the beef is fully cooked, add a bit of flour to thicken the mixture.
Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle some cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden brown and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (700 g) mashed potatoes
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.
- Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and mix well.
- Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
14) Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Using ground beef makes it easy to prepare, and the flavors blend beautifully. You can have this comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they’re soft. Then, mix in mushrooms and let them sauté until they release their moisture.
Next, sprinkle in some flour to thicken the sauce. Stir in beef broth and sour cream until you achieve a rich and creamy texture. Serve over egg noodles or rice for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring until thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice.
15) Beefy Mac and Cheese
Beefy Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It combines tender ground beef with creamy cheese and pasta, making it a family favorite.
Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a skillet. Drain the excess fat for a healthier meal.
Next, add your favorite cheese sauce and cooked elbow macaroni to the beef. Stir everything together until well mixed and heated through.
You can also add diced tomatoes or spices to enhance the flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes for a bubbly finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente and drain.
- Mix beef with cheese sauce and cooked pasta in a bowl.
- Add tomatoes and mix well.
- Pour into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes and enjoy!