Are you looking for simple yet satisfying dinner ideas that use ground beef and won’t require a long grocery list? I’ve gathered 35+ easy ground beef recipes that only use a few ingredients, and are perfect for those busy weeknights when time is in short supply. I’ve included everything from one pan meals to flavorful pasta dishes and casseroles. All of my recipes have been created with the busy family in mind, so there really is something for everyone!
Family-Friendly Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipes
For some delicious family-friendly meals that are quick and easy, look no further than this list of ground beef recipes sure to satisfy the whole family. So many different flavor profiles, yet all absolutely delicious!
- Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Skillet
- Sheet Pan Meatloaf – can use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for the glaze
- Easy Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf
- Beef Enchiladas Meatballs
- French Onion Meatballs – serve with my easy homemade mashed potatoes
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
- Easy Philly Cheesesteaks
- One Pan Teriyaki Beef and Rice
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Favorites
Skip the hamburger helper and make something that will be the kids new favorite recipe. I’ve got a list of some classic “kid foods” like quesadillas and tacos, and adults will love them just as much!
- Ground Beef Quesadillas – who doesn’t love a beefy cheesy quesadilla with that perfectly crisped tortilla?
- Big Mac Sliders
- Easy Beef and Broccoli
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Baked Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Baked Meatballs Parmesan
- Beef Ramen Stir Fry
- Garlic Butter Meatballs – serve over rice or egg noodles
Healthy, Low-Carb Ground Beef Recipes
Meals made with ground beef don’t have to be heavy and loaded with calories. Here’s a list of healthy, low-carb/calorie ground beef recipes packed with flavor but still light. Feel free to substitute ground turkey if you prefer.
- Cheesy Skillet Lasagna – serve over pasta, zoodles, or over spinach
- Korean Beef Bowls
- Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Peppers
- Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Beef Cabbage Rolls
- Korean Beef Bulgogi
- Layered Taco Salad – This recipe calls for ground turkey but you ground beef is an easy swap.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipes
Grab a baking dish, a pound of ground beef, and a few simple pantry ingredients, and whip up a delicious and satisfying casserole to feed the whole family tonight!
- 7 Layer Taco Casserole with Ground Beef
- Italian Beef and Rice Casserole – serve with my Cucumber and Tomatoes Salad
- Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole
- Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti
Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef
No need to spend hours in the kitchen all day when you have these delicious recipes. These are definitely not your everyday crockpot recipes – they are PACKED with flavor!
- Easy Crockpot Chili – serve with my Easy Mexican Cornbread
- Crockpot Spaghetti – a delicious meat sauce to serve over your choice of pasta
- Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Soup Recipes with Ground Beef
Why bother heating up the oven when you can make one of these easy soups and ground beef adds a delicious depth of flavor. Satisfy that comfort food craving in no time!
- One Pot Easy Lasagna Soup
- Loaded Beef Enchilada Soup
- Vegetable Beef Soup – add cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic to a pot with tomatoes, a bag of frozen vegetables, beef broth, seasonings, and worcestershire sauce.
Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipes
Ground beef pasta dishes provide both convenience and flavor, making them the perfect weeknight go-to dinner. Add a side salad topped with creamy Italian dressing or homemade buttermilk ranch for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for recipe ideas to use ground beef in, this list will be a keeper. If you need even more ground beef recipe ideas, check out all of my recipes containing ground beef here.
If you have a tried and true recipe that uses ground beef for dinner, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What can I do with extra cooked ground beef?
Place the ground beef in a freezer bag or air tight container. Freeze. When ready to make, defrost in the fridge for 24-48 hours or until thawed. Or you can check out our mega list of ground beef dinner ideas in this post!
What kind of ground beef should I use?
Lean ground beef – I like to use lean ground beef because there’s less fat to drain off, but any kind you like or have on hand will work.
What is the best way to cook ground beef?
Browning your beef is the best way to cook your ground beef. To do this you sauté the ground beef in a skillet on the stove until it is cooked through.
Easy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 large tortillas, burrito sized
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet and stir frequently, breaking apart the meat as you stir. Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease or moisture and return to pan.
- Add the chili powder, oregano, salt, garlic powder and cumin and stir into the meat simmering for 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Lay a burrito sized tortilla down and sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese over the entire tortilla. Then add meat evenly over half of the tortilla.
- Allow the quesadilla to cook until the cheese is starting to melt and the underside is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then fold the tortilla over and remove if golden brown. If the outside of the quesadilla is not browned and crispy, continue to cook until it is lightly browned and crispy, then flip and finish cooking the top side until golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas until you have 4 large quesadillas. Once done, cut the quesadillas into thirds (3 triangles) with a knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- To cook and freeze: Follow the instructions as directed, then let the quesadillas cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To freeze before cooking: Cook and cool the ground beef, then assemble the quesadillas. Once assembled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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