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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    12 Cheap Summer Ground Beef Dishes We’re Craving Right Now

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated May 6, 2025 · Published June 3, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to whip up some easy and budget-friendly meals, and ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways. From meatball sandwiches to the best burgers, these 12 dishes are not only affordable but also packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just looking for quick weeknight dinners, these recipes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

    Easy Meatball Sandwich

    Meatball sandwiches on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meatball sandwich is ready in just 30 minutes and is sure to be a hit with your family. It's a simple and tasty dinner option for any night.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These burgers are juicy and cooked just right, perfect for adding your favorite toppings. With just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip them up easily.

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    Ground Beef and Potatoes

    Ground Beef and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This recipe for Ground Beef and Potatoes is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal, taking less than 45 minutes to prepare.

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    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a simple dinner option that cooks itself in the crock pot. Ground beef and vegetables blend together for a delicious meal that's great for busy days.

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    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    Stuffed Pepper Soup has all the flavors of stuffed peppers but is much simpler to prepare. With bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, and beans, this soup is a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Healthy Chili with Beef and Butternut Squash

    Healthy Chili with Beef and Butternut Squash.
    Photo Credit: Amy Casey Cooks.

    A warm bowl of chili is perfect for a chilly day. This healthy version with ground beef is packed with kidney beans and butternut squash for extra flavor.

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    Crockpot Lasagna

    Crockpot Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Crockpot lasagna combines ease with a cozy feel. This cheesy and saucy dish is just as satisfying as any classic baked lasagna.

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    Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet.
    Photo credit: Real Food Real Deals.

    This one pot ground beef and cabbage skillet is a simple and healthy dinner option. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is sure to be a hit with everyone.

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    Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet

    Cauliflower beef taco skillet on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    This easy Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb way to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food. An easy, busy weeknight meal that takes about 30 minutes to make!

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    Ground Beef Nachos

    Nachos.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This nacho dish features a tasty mix of seasoned ground beef, ranch beans, black beans, onions, and garlic, all topped with sour cream, jalapenos, avocados, cilantro, lime slices, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a fun and satisfying meal that's perfect for summer gatherings.

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    Stuffed Peppers without Rice

    Stuffed Peppers without Rice.
    Photo Credit: Diabetes Strong.

    Stuffed peppers without rice are a great low-carb dinner option that everyone will love. You can whip this up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for family meals.

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    Smash Burger Quesadilla

    Smash Burger Quesadilla.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This smash burger quesadilla is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. It comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Simple Summer Recipes for Easygoing Meals
    • Chicken tater tot casserole.
      35 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Feed a Hungry Crowd
    • Beef and potato hot pot.
      29 Cheap Casseroles That Stretch to Feed the Whole Family

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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