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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 8, 2025, updated April 23, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh meals that are easy on the wallet. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty casseroles to delicious burgers. Here are 18 budget-friendly recipes that make the most of ground beef while celebrating the flavors of the season. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    Mexican Ground Beef and Quinoa Taco Bowls

    Mexican Ground Beef and Quinoa Taco Bowls.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Mexican Ground Beef and Quinoa Taco Bowls are quick to prepare in just one pan and take under 30 minutes. Full of Tex Mex flavors, this simple skillet dinner is tasty and great for meal prep.

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    Chopped Cheese Sandwich

    Chopped Cheese Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: Ground Beef Recipes.

    This Chopped Cheese recipe brings the flavors of New York City right to your kitchen. It's a cheesy and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in under an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, resulting in juicy and flavorful meatballs.

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    Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders

    Big Mac cheeseburger sliders on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sweet Hawaiian rolls are filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey American cheese, then topped with fresh lettuce, pickles, onions, and a scoop of creamy Big Mac sauce. This is a great dinner option that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes!

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    Baked Cheeseburger Tacos

    Baked Cheeseburger Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    Baked cheeseburger tacos bring together the flavors of burgers and tacos in a delicious way. This easy dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

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    Spiced Ground Meat and Hummus

    Spiced Ground Meat and Hummus.
    Photo Credit: My Therapist Cooks/

    This dish features flavorful ground meat, which can be beef, lamb, pork, or even venison, served over hummus for a hearty meal or appetizer. It's perfect for dipping, stuffing into pitas, or creating delicious grain bowls.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These burgers are juicy and cooked just right, perfect for serving with your favorite toppings. With just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up a satisfying meal for everyone.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice are covered in a tasty marinara sauce. They cook easily in a slow cooker, making a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

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    Low FODMAP Burgers

    A cheeseburger without a bun on top.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This recipe features ground beef for a juicy burger that's perfect for gatherings. You can cook it on the grill outside or use a cast iron pan indoors for great results.

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    Sopa De Fideo Con Carne Mexican Noodles

    Sopa De Fideo Con Carne Mexican Noodles.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    Sopa De Fideo Con Carne is a traditional Mexican dish featuring toasted noodles simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. It's a comforting meal that brings back memories of childhood in Mexico.

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    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crispy flautas are filled with ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a satisfying meal. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy them with a refreshing avocado cilantro sauce on the side.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a simple weeknight dinner.

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    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Salisbury steak is a comforting dish that's quick and affordable, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. It features a large, flat meatball seared in a skillet and topped with a rich mushroom gravy, all made in one pan for an easy dinner.

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    BBQ Smoked Meatloaf

    BBQ Smoked Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Meatloaf is a classic dish, but BBQ smoked meatloaf takes it to another level. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, with its rich flavor and tasty glaze that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is simple to make in the slow cooker and packed with flavor. It features fire roasted corn, fresh salsa, and whole black olives.

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    Air Fryer Meatballs

    A stack of meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and ready in under an hour. Juicy and tender, they offer a delicious twist on traditional meatballs.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

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    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    These mini, pull apart Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are a quick and easy to make dinner done in just 30 minutes! They’re perfect for family dinner or a fun snack. These mini burgers are packed with tender, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy pickles. All smothered in a homemade burger sauce!

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
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      21 Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinners for Busy Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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