Ground Beef Recipes is the ultimate kitchen hero. It’s affordable, cooks quickly, and works in just about every cuisine—from Italian classics to bold Asian favorites.
Whether you need a quick dinner idea, something freezer-friendly, or a creative new dish to spice up mealtime, this list has you covered.
These 20 ground beef recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and great for any night of the week. Let’s dive into dinner ideas that are anything but boring!
1. Classic Beef Tacos
Quick, customizable, and family-approved, these classic beef tacos start with seasoned ground beef cooked with onion, garlic, and spices.
Pile it into crunchy or soft taco shells and top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight dinner. You can also prep the meat ahead for fast reheating.
2. Hearty Beef Chili
Loaded with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, this hearty chili is pure comfort in a bowl. Simmer it low and slow to deepen the flavor, and don’t forget your favorite toppings—like cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It’s ideal for cold nights or game day feasts.
3. Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Layers of ground beef, marinara, noodles, and creamy ricotta make this classic beef lasagna a total crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, rich, and baked until bubbly perfection. Serve it with garlic bread and salad for a filling meal that’s great for dinner parties or leftovers.
4. Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
These colorful bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, onion, and tomato sauce, then baked until tender and cheesy. They’re wholesome, well-balanced, and great for meal prep. You can easily swap white rice for quinoa or brown rice.
5. Ground Beef Stroganoff
This creamy beef stroganoff swaps traditional steak for budget-friendly ground beef. Sautéed with onions and mushrooms in a rich sour cream sauce, it’s served over egg noodles for a satisfying meal. It’s comfort food without the fuss—ready in 30 minutes or less!
6. Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
These classic Sloppy Joes feature sweet-and-savory ground beef on soft buns. The sauce is made from ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for that iconic flavor. Perfect for kids, potlucks, or nostalgic dinners. Messy? Absolutely. Worth it? Every time.
7. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside—these ground beef quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even snacks. Cook the beef with taco seasoning, stuff it between tortillas with shredded cheese, and grill until golden. Dip in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for the full experience.
8. Korean Beef Bowls
A quick stir-fry of ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a sweet-savory flavor bomb. Serve it over rice with green onions and sesame seeds for a fast, flavorful dinner that’s done in 20 minutes. Bonus: it’s meal prep–friendly and picky eater–approved.
9. Cheeseburger Casserole
Think of this as a burger and mac-and-cheese mash-up. Ground beef is cooked with onions and tomato sauce, then baked with elbow macaroni and melty cheddar cheese. It’s cozy, cheesy, and totally kid-friendly. Great for make-ahead meals or busy weeknights.
10. Beef Lettuce Wraps
Light yet satisfying, these Asian-style lettuce wraps are filled with ground beef cooked in soy sauce, garlic, hoisin, and a touch of chili. Spoon into crisp lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots or peanuts for a healthy, low-carb dinner or appetizer.
11. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A timeless comfort dish, spaghetti with meat sauce combines ground beef, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce for a hearty, flavorful classic. Simmer the sauce to deepen the taste and ladle it over hot spaghetti noodles. Top with parmesan for the ultimate finish. It’s weeknight-friendly and always hits the spot—great for both picky eaters and pasta lovers.
12. Ground Beef Tostadas
Crispy tostada shells topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite toppings—sour cream, salsa, cheese, lettuce, you name it. These tostadas are crunchy, flavorful, and super customizable. They make a fun weeknight dinner or a festive party platter that disappears fast.
13. Greek Beef Pita Pockets
Ground beef seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon juice gets stuffed into warm pita pockets with tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired twist on taco night, perfect for when you want something flavorful but easy. Serve with a side of Greek salad for the full experience.
14. Ground Beef Nachos
Load tortilla chips with spiced ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings—then bake until melty and golden. Perfect for game day, parties, or quick dinners, ground beef nachos are endlessly adaptable and always crowd-pleasing. Serve with guacamole and jalapeños for extra kick.
15. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This quick and healthy stir-fry features ground beef, cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce cooked in one skillet. It’s low-carb, super filling, and full of savory goodness. Great as a standalone meal or served with steamed rice. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.
16. Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Hollowed-out zucchinis become the perfect low-carb vessel for a spicy ground beef and salsa filling. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, these taco stuffed zucchini boats are fun, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying. A great way to sneak in veggies while still enjoying bold Tex-Mex flavors.
17. Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie with ground beef (instead of lamb) is a cozy casserole featuring a savory beef and veggie base topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
18. Ground Beef Enchiladas
These beef enchiladas are packed with seasoned ground beef, rolled in soft tortillas, and smothered in a zesty red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Bake until bubbling and golden for a weeknight dinner that feels like a fiesta. Serve with sour cream and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
19. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This fusion dish combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the sloppy joe concept. Ground beef is cooked with peppers, onions, and Worcestershire sauce, then piled on buns and topped with melty provolone. It’s messy, savory, and totally satisfying.
20. Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Skip the wrapper and make this deconstructed egg roll instead! Ground beef is cooked with cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a healthy stir-fry that’s quick, easy, and low-carb. It’s a one-pan meal that’s just as satisfying as the real thing—without the deep frying.
