Ground beef is an adaptable and cost-effective ingredient that can be turned into numerous tasty dishes. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for easy recipes, this list of the 55 easy ground beef recipes will have something for everyone. From classic comfort foods to international favorites, these recipes are simple, flavorful, and sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Easy Ground Beef Recipes
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
A hearty and satisfying dish, spaghetti Bolognese is a staple in many households. This easy recipe combines ground beef with tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a rich and flavorful sauce served over spaghetti.
Beef Tacos
Quick and customizable, beef tacos are perfect for busy weeknights. Simply season ground beef with taco spices, and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Hamburger Patties
Homemade hamburger patties are a crowd-pleaser and one of the easy ground beef recipes. Mix ground beef with onions, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then grill or fry to perfection. Serve on buns with all the classic fixings.
Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish layers ground beef with vegetables and gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden and bubbly for a meal that’s sure to warm you up.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce for a wholesome and colorful dish. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and flavorful.
Beef and Bean Chili
A simple and hearty chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Meatloaf
A classic comfort food, meatloaf is easy to prepare and always satisfying. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then bake until cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Beef Stroganoff
This creamy and rich dish features ground beef in a savory sauce made with mushrooms, onions, and sour cream. Serve over egg noodles for a delicious and comforting meal.
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a fun and messy sandwich that kids and adults love. Cook ground beef with onions and a tangy tomato sauce, then serve on toasted buns.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
For a fast and nutritious meal, give this beef and broccoli stir-fry a try. . Cook ground beef with broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce, and serve over steamed rice.
Meatball Subs
Homemade meatballs made from ground beef, simmered in marinara sauce, and served on toasted sub rolls with melted cheese. These subs are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Roll seasoned beef in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
Beef and Rice Casserole
A one-dish wonder, this casserole combines ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a creamy sauce. Bake until hot and bubbly for a simple and satisfying meal.
Beef Quesadillas
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, beef quesadillas are a quick and tasty option. Fill tortillas with seasoned ground beef and cheese, then cook until golden and melted.
Lasagna
Layers of pasta, ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce make up this classic lasagna. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and filling meal.
Beef Tostadas
Tostadas are a fun and easy way to enjoy ground beef. Top crispy tortillas with refried beans, seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
Beef Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection. This dish is great for entertaining or a special family dinner.
Beef Pot Pie
A comforting and hearty dish, beef pot pie features ground beef and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with a flaky pie crust.
Beef Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with ground beef, cheese, jalapeños, and any other desired toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and guacamole.
Beef and Vegetable Skillet
A quick and healthy meal, this skillet dish combines ground beef with a variety of vegetables. Season with garlic, herbs, and a splash of soy sauce for a flavorful finish.
Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are savory pastries filled with ground beef, onions, and spices. Bake or fry these golden pockets for a delicious snack or meal.
Beef Burritos
Fill large tortillas with ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese, then roll up and serve with salsa and sour cream. These burritos are great for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Beef and Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto features ground beef and mushrooms cooked with Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any night of the week.
Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter option, try Thai beef lettuce wraps. Cook ground beef with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then serve in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cilantro.
Beef Bolognese Stuffed Zucchini
Hollow out zucchini halves and fill with a rich ground beef Bolognese sauce. Bake until the zucchini is soft and the filling is heated and bubbling.
Beef Picadillo
A classic Cuban dish, beef picadillo is made with ground beef, tomatoes, raisins, and olives. Serve over rice for a sweet and savory meal.
Beef Taco Salad
Turn your taco night into a salad with this easy recipe. Top a bed of lettuce with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.
Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A twist on the classic, this shepherd’s pie uses ground beef instead of lamb. Layer beef with vegetables and gravy, then top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.
Beef and Cheese Manicotti
Stuff manicotti pasta with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake with marinara sauce until bubbly and delicious.
Korean Beef Bowls
This easy recipe features ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served over rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of ground beef, spinach, and ricotta cheese, then baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Beef Goulash
A hearty and comforting dish, beef goulash is made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. Simmer until thick and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Beef Fajitas
Quick and easy beef fajitas are a perfect weeknight meal. Cook ground beef with bell peppers and onions, then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Beef and Potato Tacos
A twist on traditional tacos, these use diced potatoes and ground beef seasoned with taco spices. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Beef Enchilada Casserole
This layered casserole features ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Beef and Bean Burrito Bowls
A deconstructed burrito, these bowls feature ground beef, beans, rice, and your favorite burrito toppings like cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
Beef Zucchini Boats
Hollow out zucchini halves and fill with a mixture of ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese. Bake until the zucchini becomes tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Beef Samosas
Savory pastries filled with a spiced ground beef mixture. Bake or fry these golden pockets for a tasty snack or meal.
Beef and Cornbread Casserole
This comforting casserole features ground beef, vegetables, and a topping of cornbread batter. Bake until the cornbread is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy stir-fry made with ground beef, cabbage, and carrots. Enhance the taste with soy sauce and ginger for a flavorful dish.
Beef Tamale Pie
This casserole features a base of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with a layer of cornbread batter and baked until golden and delicious.
Beef Ragu
A rich and hearty sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine. Serve atop your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
These enchiladas are filled with a mixture of ground beef and cheese, then baked with enchilada sauce until bubbly and delicious.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and flavorful.
Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
A healthy and hearty meal, this skillet dish combines ground beef with sweet potatoes and kale. Season with garlic and herbs for a flavorful finish.
- Beef Chimichangas
Deep-fried burritos filled with a mixture of ground beef, beans, and cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a delicious and indulgent meal.
Beef and Lentil Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup made with ground beef, lentils, and vegetables. Simmer until thick and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Beef and Vegetable Stew
This comforting stew features ground beef and a variety of vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Beef and Spinach Lasagna
A twist on the classic, this lasagna features layers of ground beef, spinach, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Beef and Black Bean Tacos
Quick and easy tacos made with ground beef and black beans. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a simple and satisfying meal.
Beef and Cheese Queso Dip
A creamy and cheesy dip made with ground beef, perfect for serving with tortilla chips. Great for parties or game day snacking.
Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy stir-fry made with ground beef and green beans. Season with soy sauce and garlic for a flavorful meal.
Beef and Tomato Macaroni
A comforting and simple dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. Simmer until thick and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
This creamy and rich dish features ground beef and mushrooms in a savory sauce made with sour cream. Serve over egg noodles for a delicious and comforting meal.
Beef and Corn Tacos
Quick and easy tacos made with ground beef and corn. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a simple and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some simple and speedy recipes that use ground beef?
Some quick and easy ground beef recipes include tacos, spaghetti Bolognese, sloppy joes, beef stir-fry, and hamburger patties. These dishes can typically be prepared in under 30 minutes.
How can I make ground beef recipes healthier?
To make ground beef recipes healthier, use lean ground beef, incorporate plenty of vegetables, and use whole grain or low-carb substitutes for pasta and rice. Additionally, try baking or grilling instead of frying.
What dishes can I prepare with ground beef for a family dinner?
Ground beef is versatile and can be used in many family-friendly dishes such as meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, stuffed peppers, chili, and lasagna.
Are there any ground beef recipes that require minimal ingredients?
Yes, some ground beef recipes with minimal ingredients include beef and broccoli stir-fry, simple tacos, beef and rice casserole, and skillet cheeseburgers. These recipes typically use just a handful of ingredients.
Can I cook ground beef recipes in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well in slow cooker recipes like chili, meatballs, beef stew, and stuffed cabbage rolls. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and results in tender, flavorful dishes.
What are some kid-friendly ground beef recipes?
Kid-friendly ground beef recipes include spaghetti and meatballs, cheeseburger macaroni, taco bowls, sloppy joes, and mini meatloaves. These dishes are generally simple, tasty, and appealing to young palates.
How do I properly freeze and reheat ground beef dishes?
To freeze ground beef dishes, let them cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to label and date them before storing in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken in ground beef recipes?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken in most ground beef recipes. Keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so you might need to add a bit of oil or adjust cooking times to prevent dryness.
What are some easy ground beef recipes for meal prep?
For meal prep, consider making ground beef recipes like beef burrito bowls, stuffed bell peppers, beef and vegetable stir-fry, taco salad, and meatball meal kits. These can be prepared in bulk and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
How do I make a flavorful ground beef pasta sauce?
To make a flavorful ground beef pasta sauce, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and serve over your favorite pasta.
See Also:
- 72 Easy Chicken Dinners: Easy Recipes for Busy Nights
- Easy Ratatouille Recipe: A Culinary Delight
- Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Timeless Classic
Conclusion
There you have it, 55 of the easy ground beef recipes that are perfect for beginners looking for easy and delicious meals. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic comfort foods to international favorites. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to make with ground beef. Happy cooking!
