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 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.
Chopped Cheese Sandwich
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.
Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
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.
Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders
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!
Baked Cheeseburger Tacos
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.
Spiced Ground Meat and Hummus
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.
Homemade Hamburgers
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.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
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.
Low FODMAP Burgers
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.
Sopa De Fideo Con Carne Mexican Noodles
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.
Ground Beef Flautas
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.
Walking Taco Casserole
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.
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
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.
BBQ Smoked Meatloaf
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.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
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.
Air Fryer Meatballs
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.
Instant Pot Bolognese
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.
Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
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!
Comments
No Comments