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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Simple Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 11, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're feeling worn out and just want to put a meal on the table without much fuss, ground beef is a go-to ingredient. It's versatile, quick to cook, and can be transformed into a variety of satisfying dishes. Here are 25 simple ground beef dinners that will help you whip up something delicious with minimal effort.

    Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

    Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet.
    Photo Credit: One Hot Oven.

    This ground beef and rice skillet is a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. Even picky eaters will love it and might even ask for more. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a hearty dinner. It's a great way to bring the family together around the table.

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    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Nourished By Nic.

    This dish offers a healthier take on traditional pasta by using a mushroom spaghetti sauce with ground beef. It's a great option even for those who aren't fans of mushrooms, as it cleverly incorporates more vegetables into the meal. The combination of flavors makes it satisfying and enjoyable. This is a good dinner choice for anyone looking to add some nutrition to their pasta night. It's simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Baked ziti is a comforting dish that brings all the flavors together with minimal effort. There's no need to boil the pasta or cook the meat separately; you can simply layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic meal with less fuss. Everyone will love this easy and satisfying dinner.

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    Perfect Patty Melts

    Perfect Patty Melts.
    Photo Credit: The View from Great Island.

    Patty melts are a delicious sandwich option that combines juicy burgers with gooey cheese and sweet caramelized onions. Everything is grilled together in crispy sourdough bread, creating a satisfying meal. This sandwich is perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual lunch. It's a simple yet tasty way to enjoy classic flavors. Everyone will love this comforting dish.

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    Italian Noodle Casserole

    Italian Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Ground beef is seasoned and mixed with tomato sauce, then combined with soft egg noodles and cheese. It all comes together to create a comforting casserole that everyone in the family will love. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is satisfying and delicious. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot

    Beef and potato hotpot.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    This dish combines ground beef with sliced onions and scalloped potatoes, creating a warm and comforting meal. It's a hearty stew that brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. The layers of potatoes and beef create a delicious combination that feels like a hug in a bowl. Enjoy this cozy dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

    SLOW COOKER CABBAGE ROLLS.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a classic dish that everyone loves. You can come home to a warm and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. These rolls are packed with flavor and are sure to fill you up. They’re perfect for family meals or when you have friends over. This dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.

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    Italian Stuffed Peppers

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

    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. The bell peppers become soft and flavorful as they cook. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when you want something satisfying. It's a simple way to enjoy a classic Italian flavor.

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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, all topped with plenty of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this simple yet delicious recipe.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features juicy ground beef that’s cooked just right, perfect for piling on your favorite burger toppings. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s easy to whip up. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy a classic that never goes out of style.

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    One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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

    This cheeseburger soup is quick to make, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Everything cooks in a single pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. It's a simple and cheesy dish that brings a warm, comforting feel to the table. Your family is sure to enjoy this hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

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

    Stuffed peppers are a quick and tasty meal that can be ready in just 45 minutes. This version skips the rice and focuses on bold tex-mex flavors, thanks to taco seasoning and a cheesy topping. They’re satisfying on their own or can be paired with tortilla chips for a little extra crunch. Perfect for busy nights, these peppers are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Ground Beef Jambalaya

    Ground beef jambalaya.
    Photo credit: Palatable Pastime.

    Ground Beef Jambalaya offers a tasty take on the classic Cajun rice dish by mixing in beef and Andouille sausage. This hearty meal combines flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. It's a satisfying option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a comforting dish that warms you up. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling and delicious.

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    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Dry onion soup mix adds a great flavor to classic meatloaf, making it a tasty dinner option. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great way to take the stress out of meal planning. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that feels special. Enjoy a comforting dinner that brings everyone together.

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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This chili is made in the slow cooker and includes beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina. It’s packed with flavors from the Southwest. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s both hearty and satisfying. You can set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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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. It pairs perfectly with hummus, making it a hearty option for an appetizer or a main meal. It's great for dipping, stuffing into pitas, or adding to grain bowls. This recipe is versatile and satisfying, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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    Tortellini Bake

    Tortellini bake.
    Photo credit: Everyday Delicious.

    This tortellini bake is a tasty casserole that combines store-bought tortellini with a hearty meat and vegetable tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner. You can enjoy it for a couple of days, making it great for leftovers. This dish is comforting and filling, ideal for family meals. It's a great way to bring everyone together around the table.

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    The Best Tater Tot Casserole

    The Best Tater Tot Casserole
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This tater tot casserole is a family favorite Midwest comfort food that's layered with tender veggies and ground beef in a creamy gravy topped with melted cheese and tater tots. It's loaded with real ingredients - which means NO CONDENSED SOUP - and it's made all in one pot so it can go from the stove to the oven, right to your dinner table!

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    Crockpot Lasagna

    Crockpot Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Crockpot lasagna combines ease with a cozy feel. This dish is loaded with cheese and sauce, and you can just set it up and let it cook on its own. It stands up to any classic baked lasagna you might find. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

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    Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce-Makaronia me Kima.
    Photo Credit: The Greek Foodie.

    Greek spaghetti with meat sauce, known as makaronia me kima, is a warm and satisfying dish. It’s made with ground beef that’s simmered with red wine, fresh herbs, and ripe tomatoes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully. This meal is perfect for family dinners or when you want something hearty. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, creating a filling and enjoyable meal. It’s a classic recipe that brings a taste of home to your table.

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    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a delicious meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared in advance, making it easy to store in the freezer. It brings all the flavors of taco night into one convenient casserole. Everything cooks together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze. This is a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole,.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Walking Taco Casserole is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. It combines all the cheesy goodness of a walking taco, but you can whip it up in a cast iron skillet in just half an hour. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a casual weeknight meal, this casserole is a go-to option.

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    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef, bell peppers, and onions come together to create a satisfying meal. The right seasonings really bring out the flavors and make this dish stand out. It's simple to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. This is a good dinner option that everyone will enjoy. You’ll find it’s a comforting choice that warms you up.

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    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: Meatloaf and Melodrama.

    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is an easy dish that swaps out bread crumbs for Stove Top Stuffing. It's a family favorite that everyone loves, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is straightforward and doesn't require much work. You can whip it up quickly and have a hearty meal on the table. It's a comforting option that brings everyone together.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

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

    These meatballs are some of the best you'll ever try, and they don't even need breadcrumbs or eggs. They're 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, depending on what you prefer. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that's sure to please everyone. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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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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