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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Cheap Ground Beef Dinners Your Family Will Crave Every Week

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 3, 2025, updated September 2, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals. From hearty casseroles to quick stir-fries, these 19 recipes are sure to please the whole family without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for something classic or a bit different, there's a dish here for every night of the week.

    Cheesy Taco Skillet

    Cheesy taco skillet.
    Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    This taco skillet offers a tasty take on the traditional Hamburger Helper. It's perfect for weeknights when you need a quick and filling meal. You can easily change the spice level to match your preference, whether you like it mild or a bit spicy.

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    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Baked ziti is an easy and filling meal that you can whip up in no time. You don’t have to worry about boiling the pasta or browning the meat first; just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours cooking.

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    Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)

    Greek orzo with ground beef.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Manestra is a tasty Greek dish that gives a fun twist to a traditional recipe. It's filling and perfect for any meal, whether it's lunch or dinner. With its flavorful ingredients and comforting nature, this dish is bound to be a hit with everyone.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

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

    Meatballs are a fantastic choice for a delicious meal that won't break the bank. With no breadcrumbs or eggs needed, they're straightforward to make and still very filling. You can easily prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they always turn out juicy and flavorful.

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    Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

    CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE.
    Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    This Instant Pot dish combines the familiar tastes of cheeseburgers into a filling casserole that's simple to make. Topped with cheddar cheese, pickles, and a special sauce, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time cooking.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    A simple bolognese sauce can be whipped up in the Instant Pot. This version highlights the deep flavors of the traditional dish, but it doesn't take hours to make. It's ideal for a hearty pasta dinner that won't keep you in the kitchen for long.

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    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Grits & Pinecones.

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet is an easy and hearty meal that you can whip up in just one pan. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish mixes tasty beef and rice with a hint of Mexican flavor, making it a favorite for dinner.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Cowboy Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish topped with crispy tater tots. This filling meal is great for busy nights and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It brings together a mix of flavors and textures that make it a hit with families.

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    The Best Tater Tot Casserole

    The Best Tater Tot Casserole
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Tater tot casserole is a beloved dish from the Midwest that features ground beef, veggies, creamy gravy, and gooey cheese, all topped with crunchy tater tots. This recipe uses fresh ingredients instead of canned soup, making it a healthier option. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is simple. It's a cozy meal that's great for busy nights.

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    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cheesy baked spaghetti offers a fun twist on the traditional pasta dish. It combines layers of cheesy noodles with a rich meat sauce, all covered in gooey melted cheese. This dish is filling and sure to please everyone at the table, making it a great choice for a hearty meal.

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    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed peppers without rice are an easy and flavorful meal that you can whip up in about 45 minutes. Packed with tasty Tex-Mex flavors and topped with cheese, they’re perfect on their own or served with tortilla chips. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something filling without spending too much time cooking.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole gives taco night a fun twist by combining ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese into one easy dish. It's perfect for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week that the whole family will love.

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    Rigatoni al Forno

    Rigatoni al Forno.
    Photo credit: Food and Mood Dietitian.

    Rigatoni al forno with veggies is a hearty and simple dish that the whole family will enjoy. It brings together familiar flavors and textures, making it a perfect option for dinner. This meal is quick to put together and packed with nutrients, ideal for busy nights.

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    Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet

    MEXICAN BEEF AND RICE SKILLET.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    This Mexican beef and rice skillet is an easy, one-skillet dinner recipe. This simple dinner recipe turns ground beef into a tasty dinner that is packed with flavor!

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Ground beef is a handy ingredient that can be turned into many filling meals. Juicy burgers, whether made in an air fryer or on the grill, are a simple and delicious choice. You can add your favorite toppings to make them just the way you like, making them suitable for any gathering.

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    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish combines creamy macaroni and cheese with the rich flavors of classic American beef chili, resulting in a comforting meal that's easy to prepare. It's a favorite among family members of all ages, from kids to adults.

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    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Stuffed pepper casserole brings together the familiar flavors of the classic dish in a simpler way. It's perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something filling without spending too much time cooking. This dish is straightforward to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Pasta shells filled with cheese and meatballs, covered in a simple tomato sauce, offer a warm and cozy meal. This classic dish is a favorite and works well for family dinners. It's filling and enjoyable, making it a solid option for any evening.

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    One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

    A bowl of macaroni cheese burger soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cheeseburger soup is a filling and comforting meal that you can whip up in just one pot. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It’s a fun way to bring the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy soup.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Satisfying Sheet Pan Meals That Make Clean Up Easier Than Ever
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      20 Best Crockpot Soup Recipes to Try This Week
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      22 Ideas for Casseroles to Make When You’re Craving Comfort Food
    • Stroganoff.
      22 Dump-And-Go Meal Prep Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    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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