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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make You Love Weeknight Cooking

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 12, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can transform weeknight dinners into something special. With just a few simple recipes, you can create hearty meals that the whole family will enjoy. From classic burgers to comforting casseroles, these 21 recipes will make cooking during the week a breeze.

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

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

    Stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice in a tasty marinara sauce are a great choice for dinner. They cook easily in the slow cooker, making it simple to prepare a meal that everyone in the family will love. This dish is perfect for a cozy evening at home.

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    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

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

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet is a simple one-pan dish that’s great for busy weeknights. It offers a filling and tasty meal without taking up too much of your time in the kitchen. This recipe combines ground beef, rice, and flavorful ingredients, making it a satisfying option for dinner.

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    Chorizo Burgers

    Chorizo burger.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin' Mamas.

    Chorizo Burgers offer a tasty twist on the classic burger. Mixing chorizo with ground beef gives them a juicy and spicy kick. Just grill them for about six minutes, add some cheese and your favorite toppings, and they’ll be gone in no time.

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    Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Salsa Meatloaf offers a fun twist on the classic dish. By swapping out ketchup for salsa, you get a flavorful and easy meal that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for dinner, allowing you to whip it up without much effort.

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    Classic Sloppy Joes

    Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dish comes together quickly, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then mixed with a simple homemade sloppy joe sauce. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features juicy, well-cooked ground beef that pairs perfectly with your favorite burger toppings. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up a satisfying meal. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole

    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    The Cowboy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole brings a taste of the Wild West right to your table. This dish features a flavorful meatloaf that’s topped with smooth mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to a nice golden finish. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.

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    Hamburger Steak

    Hamburger steak with gravy.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Seasoned hamburger patties are cooked until they're nicely browned and then placed in a rich, creamy gravy made from the drippings, onions, garlic, and herbs. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and your choice of vegetables, creating a warm and satisfying meal for the whole family.

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    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    A Philly Cheesesteak can be a real treat, but it’s not always easy to whip up, especially when you're short on time or cash. This ground beef version is a great solution, giving you all the classic flavors without the fuss. You’ll enjoy the savory beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all served on a soft bun. It's a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.

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    Skillet Stuffed Peppers

    Skillet Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    Skillet stuffed peppers are a simple and flavorful dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. With easy preparation and a hearty filling, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip it up without much effort, making it a great choice for a satisfying dinner.

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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. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all made with simple items you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a satisfying meal.

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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 don’t require eggs or breadcrumbs. In less than an hour, you can have juicy and tender Swedish-style meatballs ready to enjoy. They look great and are a step up from any meatballs you’ve made before.

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Urben Life.

    Taco pasta salad is a hearty and enjoyable dish that brings together a mix of delicious ingredients. It includes seasoned ground beef, tender pinto beans, and fresh cherry tomatoes, along with vibrant green bell pepper and sweet corn. The addition of briny black olives, zesty white onion, and crisp lettuce adds great texture and flavor. Rotini pasta holds everything together, creating a filling meal. A creamy taco sauce brings it all together for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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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 less than an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, giving you plenty of options. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that everyone will enjoy.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all topped with plenty of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, which keeps it light and healthy. It's a straightforward Mediterranean dish that's both tasty and easy to prepare.

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    Italian Stuffed Peppers

    Italian Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Colorful Italian Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and tasty meal. They are filled with a mix of seasoned ground beef and rice, then baked with tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese until they are nice and tender. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Chili

    A bowl with chili topped with lime and cheese.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    This Instant Pot Chili is your ticket to a satisfying meal without the hassle. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend camping trip or a busy weekday, this recipe is perfect to make ahead and simply heat it up when you’re ready to eat.

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    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for families, bringing a taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Everyone will appreciate this easy casserole that satisfies cravings and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef

    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: State of Dinner.

    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef is a simple and comforting dish that captures the delicious flavors of stroganoff without requiring much effort. It's a great option for weeknights when you want something quick and hearty that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos with salsa.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Classic Ground Beef Tacos are a quick and simple meal that everyone loves. With seasoned beef stuffed into crispy taco shells, this dish is perfect for a family dinner. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe.

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    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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