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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Easy Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 25, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're feeling worn out and just want to whip up something quick, ground beef is a lifesaver. It's versatile and can be turned into a variety of satisfying meals with minimal effort. Here are 26 easy ground beef dinners that will help you get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

    Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta

    Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Happy Life.

    Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that brings together the flavors of tacos and pasta. Ground beef and vegetables are cooked with taco seasoning and then mixed with pasta and a tangy tomato sauce, all in just one pot. This dish is topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, making it a favorite for anyone who loves tacos. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. Enjoy a comforting bowl of this hearty pasta that everyone will love.

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos is a great choice for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or family get-togethers. It’s simple to prepare and packed with delicious Mexican flavors. You can easily make a larger batch if you’re feeding a crowd, or cut it down if you just want a tasty dish for yourself. This salad combines pasta and crunchy Doritos for a fun twist. It’s a satisfying option 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, 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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    Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    Zucchini boats are a tasty dish filled with a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. They are baked until everything is hot and bubbly, making for a comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when you want something satisfying. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require much effort. Enjoy these zucchini boats straight from the oven, served in a cozy casserole dish.

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    Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

    Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a cozy dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. It features a tasty meatloaf that’s juicy and full of flavor, all topped with rich, creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese. This dish is filling and simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights. With its smoky and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s a one-pan meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to any evening.

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    Hamburger Rice Casserole

    Hamburger Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    This hamburger rice casserole is a simple and tasty dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Made with ground beef and paired with steamed broccoli, it brings a comforting feel to the table. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. This meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy a hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug.

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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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    Cheesy Taco Rice

    Cheesy Taco Rice.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    Cheesy Taco Rice is a delicious one-skillet meal that’s full of flavor and loaded with cheese. It’s a simple dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This hearty recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With its combination of protein and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying option for dinner. You’ll find that it quickly becomes a family favorite.

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    Homemade Sloppy Joes

    Homemade sloppy joes with a golden bun.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade sloppy joes are packed with flavor and can be ready in about 30 minutes using just one pan. This dish is simple to scale up, making it easy to serve a larger group. They work well as a meal you can prepare ahead of time. Perfect for busy nights, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that brings back memories.

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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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    Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs

    Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: My Suburban Kitchen.

    Gyro-inspired air fryer meatballs are a simple choice for dinner or meal prep. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients. Once cooked, you can pair them with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. Enjoy these flavorful meatballs any time you need a quick bite.

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    Minced Beef with Tofu, Peas, and Oyster Sauce

    Minced Beef with Tofu, Peas, and Oyster Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Nut Work.

    Minced Beef with Tofu, Peas, and Oyster Sauce is a tasty dish that pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of rice, making it a comforting choice for chilly nights. This meal is simple to prepare and offers a milder flavor compared to spicy dishes like mapo tofu. Its smooth texture and flavorful sauce make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this hearty entree that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    Walking taco casserole combines melted cheese, ground beef, taco seasoning, and crunchy corn chips like Fritos into one tasty dish. It's a simple meal that brings a bit of fun to the table. Everyone in the family will enjoy this hearty and satisfying option. Perfect for busy nights, it comes together without a lot of work. This dish is sure to be a hit at dinner time.

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    American Goulash

    American Goulash
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    American Goulash is a simple and hearty dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles all in one pot. It's a classic comfort food that warms you up and fills you up. This dish is great any time of the year and is often even tastier the next day. It's a go-to meal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. Enjoy it with family or friends for a cozy dinner.

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    Meaty Cabbage Soup

    Meaty Cabbage Soup.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    This dish is perfect for when you want something warm and comforting. It uses just a few basic ingredients, focusing on ground beef and cabbage. It's a straightforward recipe that doesn't require much effort. This is a great option for busy nights when you still want a hearty meal. Enjoy a bowl of this satisfying comfort food that feels like a hug in a dish.

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    Homemade Hot Dog Chili Sauce

    Homemade Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili is great for topping off hot dogs or even for slathering on an open-faced burger. It's thick and packed with just the right amount of spice and flavor. Whether you're having a casual meal or a gathering with friends, this dish fits right in. It's a comforting choice that everyone will enjoy. You can easily whip it up without much work.

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    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This stew is a simple and filling meal that uses ground beef as its main ingredient. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time or money. The flavors come together nicely, making it a comforting dish for any day of the week. You can easily whip it up with just a few ingredients. This is a great option for busy nights when you still want a satisfying dinner.

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    Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

    Creamy Italian meatball soup with fresh herbs.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy Italian meatball soup recipe comes together in one pot and is loaded with juicy meatballs and al dente pasta nestled in an herb-filled creamy tomato broth.

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    Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Dinner

    Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Dinner.
    Photo Credit: Cooking Up Memories.

    Cabbage Roll Skillet Dinner brings all the cozy flavors of stuffed cabbage into a simple one-pan meal. It’s quick to prepare, taking just over 30 minutes from start to finish. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner when time is tight. With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. Enjoy a comforting meal that feels like home cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Ground Beef Stroganoff

    Ground Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This flavorful stroganoff is perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare. It combines tender ground beef with a rich sauce that everyone will enjoy. You can whip it up in no time, making it ideal for busy nights. This dish is sure to please the whole family and leave them wanting more. It's a comforting meal that brings a taste of home to your table.

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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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    Easy Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole in a white oven dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cowboy casserole is a hearty dish that you can whip up in about an hour, with most of that time spent baking. It uses basic ingredients that you likely have on hand in your kitchen. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and satisfying. It's a comforting option that everyone will enjoy. With its easy preparation, it's a great choice for a family dinner.

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    Hamburger Steak

    Hamburger steak with gravy.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    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 is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable for a complete meal. It's a simple yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is sure to bring back memories of home-cooked meals.

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    Parmesan Meatloaf

    Parmesan Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This cheesy meatloaf is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It's simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Packed with flavor and topped with gooey cheese, it’s sure to please the whole family. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

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    Ground Beef Taco Skillet

    Ground Beef Taco Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes & Kale Chips.

    This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a simple and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and lots of cheese all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The mix of Southwestern spices gives it a nice kick, perfect for a fun dinner. You can easily customize it with your favorite taco toppings to make it even better. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    This one-pan pasta brings together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors. It's quick to prepare and can be adjusted to suit both meat lovers and those who prefer plant-based options. This dish is great for making ahead of time, making dinner a breeze. It's sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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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