15 Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Family Meals

15 Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Family Meals

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that many home cooks enjoy. You can find it in a variety of delicious recipes, from comforting casseroles to tasty burgers. Whether you are looking for quick weeknight dinners or hearty meals for family gatherings, ground beef recipes offer something for everyone.

A sizzling skillet of ground beef with colorful diced vegetables and aromatic herbs

Using ground beef can also be budget-friendly, making it a popular choice for many households. With just a pound of ground beef, you can create satisfying dishes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. This article will explore different ways to use ground beef, helping you to expand your recipe collection.

1) Classic Meatloaf

A rustic kitchen table with a freshly baked meatloaf, surrounded by ingredients like ground beef, onions, and herbs

Classic meatloaf is a comforting dish that many people love. It’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners. Start by mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. This gives it great flavor and texture.

You can top your meatloaf with ketchup or a sweet glaze for added taste. Bake it in the oven to seal in all the delicious juices. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
  3. Mix until just combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
  4. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  5. Bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through.

2) Cheeseburger Casserole

A sizzling skillet of ground beef, melted cheese, and savory seasonings, topped with a golden-brown layer of crispy tater tots

Cheeseburger casserole is a tasty and easy meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting dish. You use ground beef, cheese, and noodles for a filling dinner that everyone will enjoy.

To make this casserole, start by cooking ground beef in a skillet. Once it’s browned, mix in your favorite cheese and some cooked macaroni. You can also add ingredients like pickles or onions for extra flavor.

This dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how much everyone enjoys it.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
  • 2 cups (200 g) cooked macaroni
  • 2 cups (200 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) diced pickles
  • Seasonings to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef.
  3. Drain excess fat, then mix in cheese and macaroni.
  4. Pour in milk and add pickles. Stir well.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

3) Taco Enchiladas

A sizzling skillet of taco enchiladas being assembled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas

Taco enchiladas are a fun and tasty way to enjoy ground beef. You can make them with soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned beef and cheese. Then, they’re rolled up and topped with your favorite red sauce.

Start by cooking the ground beef with taco seasoning. This adds great flavor. Next, fill the tortillas with beef and cheese, then roll them tightly. Place them in a baking dish.

Top the rolled enchiladas with more sauce and cheese. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef in a pan and add taco seasoning.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Place 1/3 cup of beef and cheese in each tortilla.
  4. Roll up and put in a baking dish.
  5. Pour sauce over enchiladas and top with cheese.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy your meal!

4) Beef Stroganoff

A steaming pot of beef stroganoff simmering on a stove, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils

Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight. You can use ground beef for a quicker version that still tastes great. Serve it over egg noodles for a hearty meal.

To make this dish, start by browning your ground beef in a skillet. Then add onions and garlic for flavor. Don’t forget the mushrooms, as they add a nice texture and taste.

Next, stir in flour to thicken the sauce, and then mix in sour cream for creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Egg noodles, for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions are soft.
  3. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in flour and mix well.
  5. Add sour cream and stir until combined.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

5) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese. Surrounding the peppers are vibrant ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs

Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy ground beef. They are filled with a tasty mixture of meat, rice, and spices, making a complete meal in one dish. You can use any color of bell pepper, like red, yellow, or green.

To make them, cook your ground beef until brown, then mix it with cooked rice, cheese, and seasonings. Stuff this mixture into the hollowed-out peppers.

Bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the peppers are tender. This meal is sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

  • 4 bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.
  3. Mix the beef with cooked rice, cheese, and spices.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
  5. Place them in a baking dish and cover with diced tomatoes.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.

6) Shepherd’s Pie

A bubbling casserole dish of shepherd's pie, with a golden mashed potato crust on top and steam rising from the savory ground beef filling

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty dish that combines ground beef with vegetables and a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s comforting and perfect for any meal.

You can use frozen peas and corn for convenience. These veggies add nice color and flavor. The ground beef gives a rich taste that everyone loves.

To make it cheesy, consider adding shredded Cheddar on top before baking. This adds flavor and a nice golden crust.

Now let’s gather what you need to create this classic dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn
  • 4 cups (960ml) mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the peas and corn.
  5. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
  6. Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7) Chili Con Carne

A bubbling pot of chili con carne simmers on a stovetop, with chunks of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices. Steam rises from the rich, fragrant mixture

Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish perfect for any gathering. It’s made with ground beef, beans, and spices for a warm, comforting meal. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder.

Start by browning your ground beef in a pot. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for flavor. Then, stir in canned tomatoes and kidney beans.

Let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely. Serve your chili with toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream to enhance the taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
  2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until soft.
  3. Stir in chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add tomatoes and kidney beans. Mix well.
  5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

8) Italian Meatballs

A sizzling skillet of Italian meatballs, simmering in a rich tomato sauce, surrounded by fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese

Italian meatballs are a classic dish that many enjoy. They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal. You can use ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork for great taste.

To make them, combine your meat with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and cheese. This mix will keep your meatballs moist and tender. Cooking them in marinara sauce adds even more flavor.

You can serve these meatballs with spaghetti or on a sub sandwich. They are versatile and can fit into many meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
  3. Form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Serve with your favorite sauce.

9) Salisbury Steak

A sizzling Salisbury steak on a hot skillet, surrounded by onions and mushrooms, with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy

Salisbury steak is a comforting dish made from ground beef. It’s shaped into patties and cooked in a rich gravy. This meal is easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

To start, you’ll need ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and seasonings for the patties. The classic pairing is a savory gravy that enhances the flavors.

You can serve Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Both options soak up the delicious gravy, making each bite satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can French onion soup
  • 1/2 cup water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form mixture into patties.
  3. Brown patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Add French onion soup and water to the skillet.
  5. Simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through.

10) Beef Lasagna

A bubbling pan of beef lasagna, layers of pasta, cheese, and savory ground beef, fresh out of the oven

Beef lasagna is a comforting dish that many people love. It combines layers of pasta, savory ground beef, rich cheese, and flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Begin by cooking ground beef with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a skillet until it’s browned.

Mix ricotta cheese with eggs, Parmesan, and a bit of seasoning next.

Layer the ingredients in a baking dish by starting with sauce, then noodles, and followed by the cheese mixture. Top it off with mozzarella cheese for a delicious crust.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving, so it holds its shape.

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Eggs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Lasagna noodles
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ground beef with garlic and spices until browned.
  3. Mix ricotta, eggs, and Parmesan in a bowl.
  4. Layer the baking dish with sauce, noodles, cheese mix, and mozzarella.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes and let cool before serving.

11) Mexican Casserole

A steaming Mexican casserole sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by colorful ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and cheese

Mexican casserole is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines layers of ground beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese. This one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for families.

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. You can add taco seasoning for extra flavor.

After cooking, layer the beef with tortillas, beans, and cheese in a baking dish.

Bake your casserole at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s great for leftovers too!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can black beans (drained)
  • 1 package tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
  3. Drain excess fat and mix in taco seasoning.
  4. Layer tortillas, beef, beans, and cheese in a baking dish.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

12) Cabbage Rolls

A pot of cabbage rolls simmering on a stove, filled with seasoned ground beef and wrapped in tender cabbage leaves

Cabbage rolls are a comforting dish you can easily make at home. They consist of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice. The rolls are then cooked in a delicious tomato sauce.

You can customize your cabbage rolls by adding spices or using different meats like ground pork or lamb. They are perfect for family dinners and can also be frozen for later use.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional herbs (parsley, dill)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully remove cabbage leaves from the head.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fill each cabbage leaf with the beef mixture and roll tightly.
  5. Place rolls in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
  6. Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through. Enjoy!

13) Beef and Bean Burritos

A sizzling skillet with beef and bean burritos, surrounded by colorful ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese

Beef and bean burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal. You can enjoy them for dinner or lunch. They are easy to make and can feed a whole family.

To prepare, you’ll need ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and flour tortillas. Many recipes also call for onions and spices for extra flavor.

You can customize your burritos with toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado. Each burrito is packed with protein and flavor.

These burritos can also be frozen for later. Just wrap them up and store them in your freezer.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add refried beans and heat through.
  4. Fill tortillas with beef mixture and cheese.
  5. Roll up the tortillas and serve with your favorite toppings.

14) Spaghetti Bolognese

A steaming plate of spaghetti Bolognese, with rich tomato sauce and savory ground beef, garnished with fresh basil leaves

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It features a rich and flavorful meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables.

To make this dish, you usually start by cooking onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan. Then, add your ground beef and brown it.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, and let everything simmer for a while. This allows the flavors to develop.

Serve your sauce over cooked spaghetti and top it with grated cheese. It’s a comforting meal that is great for families or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28-ounce (800g) can of crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Spaghetti pasta
  • Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
  7. Drain spaghetti and serve with the sauce on top.
  8. Sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.

15) Beef Tacos

A sizzling skillet of beef tacos, with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheese, topped with a dollop of sour cream

Beef tacos are a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. You can enjoy them with family or friends, making them perfect for any occasion.

Start by choosing the right ground beef, like 80/20, for the best flavor.

To make your tacos, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Make sure to drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.

Add your favorite taco seasonings and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Fill taco shells with the beef and top with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • Taco shells
  • Toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and a little water.
  5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Fill taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

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