15 Ground Beef Recipes Your Family Will Love
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be the star of many delicious meals. From hearty casseroles to tasty tacos, you can create a variety of dishes that everyone in your family will love. Using ground beef in your cooking allows you to whip up quick, budget-friendly meals that are satisfying and flavorful.
With so many recipes available, it’s easy to find something that fits your taste and schedule. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner, ground beef can help you prepare meals that are both enjoyable and easy to make.
1) Cheesy Beef Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that your family will love. It combines ground beef, slices of potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce for a warm meal.
To start, brown the ground beef in a pan. Once it’s cooked through, layer it with sliced potatoes in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top for that rich flavor.
Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the potatoes are tender and bubbly. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups sliced potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Layer the beef and sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
- Mix cheese and soup, then spread over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
2) Classic Beef Stroganoff
Classic Beef Stroganoff is a delicious dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. You’ll enjoy the tender beef and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with egg noodles.
To make this recipe, start by cooking your ground beef in a skillet until it’s browned. Then, add chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor. You can also throw in some mushrooms for a tasty twist.
Next, mix in some flour to thicken the sauce, and pour in beef broth and a splash of white wine. Let it simmer gently to combine all the flavors. Finally, serve it over buttered noodles and garnish with parsley for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and white wine; season and simmer.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve beef mixture over noodles and garnish with parsley.
3) Hearty Chili Con Carne
Hearty chili con carne is a classic dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You can make it easily on the stovetop, and it uses simple ingredients that add up to big flavor.
To start, you’ll need ground beef, beans, and a mix of spices. You can also add vegetables like onions and bell peppers for extra taste. This chili cooks low and slow, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Add beans and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
4) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to enjoy ground beef. They are easy to prepare and make for a colorful and tasty dish.
To make this meal, you’ll first need to gather your ingredients. You will use fresh bell peppers, ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings.
Start by cooking the rice and browning the ground beef in a pan. Season the beef to taste, then mix it with the cooked rice and diced tomatoes.
Next, hollow out the bell peppers and fill them with the beef mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, pour some tomato sauce on top, and sprinkle shredded cheese over everything.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Brown the ground beef in a pan and season it.
- Mix the cooked rice and diced tomatoes with the beef.
- Hollow out the bell peppers.
- Fill the peppers with the beef mixture.
- Place in a baking dish and add tomato sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
5) Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines a rich meat sauce with pasta. It’s a hearty meal that is loved by many. You can easily make it at home with some simple ingredients.
To start, you will need ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and veggies like carrots and celery. Add tomatoes and let it simmer to develop flavors. You can also use red wine for extra taste.
Serve the sauce over your favorite spaghetti and enjoy with grated cheese on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 14 ounces (400g) canned tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add onion and garlic, then sauté until soft.
- Add carrot and celery, cook until they soften.
- Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti. Enjoy!
6) Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
Taco stuffed pasta shells are a fun twist on traditional tacos. You can enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a creamy and cheesy shell. Plus, they are easy to make.
Start by cooking jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Brown some lean ground beef in a skillet and mix in taco seasoning for that classic flavor. Stuff the cooked shells with the beef mixture and top them with cheese.
Bake your stuffed shells at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This hearty dish is great for family dinners or gatherings, and everyone will love it.
Ingredients
- 18 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook until heated through.
- Stuff each shell with the beef mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
7) Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are a delicious meal that you can easily prepare at home. They feature tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with rich enchilada sauce and cheese.
You can use lean ground beef to keep them a bit healthier. Adding onions and spices will enhance the flavors, making each bite delightful.
These enchiladas bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden. Serve them with sour cream or fresh salsa for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each tortilla with beef and some cheese.
- Roll the tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
8) Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish made with ground beef or lamb. It features a savory filling of meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
To make your Shepherd’s Pie, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Then, add vegetables like carrots and peas. Cook until they are tender.
Once the filling is ready, place it in a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) until the potatoes turn golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add carrots and peas. Cook until tender.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes and cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9) Homemade Beef Meatloaf
Making homemade beef meatloaf is simple and satisfying. You can use ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs and spices to create a hearty dish. This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners.
Start with 1 pound of ground beef, and mix in some bread crumbs, an egg, and seasonings. Popular additions include garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour. You can baste it with ketchup for a tasty glaze during the last 15 minutes.
Feel free to customize your meatloaf with veggies, like chopped onions or bell peppers, for added nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup (for glazing)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then add ketchup on top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
10) Beef and Cabbage Rolls
Beef and cabbage rolls are a comforting dish you can easily make at home. They combine ground beef, rice, and spices, all wrapped in cabbage leaves. These rolls are delicious and filling.
To prepare, start by cooking the rice and mixing it with the beef, onion, and seasonings. Next, blanch the cabbage leaves to make them easier to roll. Then, place a spoonful of the beef mixture in each leaf and roll them up.
Finally, place the rolls in a baking dish with tomato sauce poured on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Sauté onion until soft.
- Mix beef, rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Blanch cabbage leaves.
- Place filling in each leaf and roll tightly.
- Arrange rolls in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over rolls.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
11) Ground Beef Tacos
Making ground beef tacos is quick and fun. You can create a flavorful meal using simple ingredients you probably have at home. Start with ground beef, which is juicy and tender.
Cook the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir it regularly until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain any extra fat and add your favorite taco seasoning.
You can customize your tacos with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. Use corn or flour tortillas to wrap everything up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Salsa
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 2 minutes.
- Serve in tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
12) Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and healthy meal option. You can fill them with ground beef, making them hearty and satisfying. The zucchini acts as a low-carb base that holds all the delicious flavors.
To make these boats, you can mix ground beef with onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Topping them with cheese adds a rich flavor as they bake. You’ll enjoy the bubbly cheese and tender zucchini.
These zucchini boats are perfect for a quick dinner or as a fun side dish. They are great for using up extra zucchini from your garden too.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut zucchinis in half and scoop out the center.
- In a pan, cook onions and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Fill zucchini halves with the beef mixture.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.
13) Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry
Beef and vegetable stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time. With tender beef and colorful veggies, it’s both healthy and satisfying. You can use ground beef or thinly sliced beef for this dish.
Start by sautéing your choice of proteins in a hot pan. Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for extra crunch. Don’t forget to season with soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce for flavor.
This is a versatile dish, so feel free to mix and match your vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: cooked rice or noodles
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the vegetables and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and mix well.
- Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
14) Beef Goulash
Beef goulash is a hearty meal that combines ground beef, vegetables, and pasta. It is simple to make and perfect for family dinners. This dish is comforting and can be customized to suit your taste.
You can start with ground beef, which provides a satisfying base. Add in chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic for flavor. For a rich sauce, use diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
To make it even better, season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning. Serve it over elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onions and bell peppers, stirring until softened.
- Mix in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- Combine the goulash with the pasta and serve warm.
15) Classic Beef Burgers
Making a classic beef burger is simple and satisfying. Start with good ground beef, ideally 80% lean and 20% fat. This mix ensures juicy and flavorful patties.
Form the beef into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make an indent in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper before grilling or frying.
Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Serve on fresh buns with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, condiments
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet.
- Form the ground beef into patties.
- Season each patty with salt and pepper.
- Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Make sure the internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
- Serve the patties on buns with your favorite toppings.