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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    34 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners That Hit the Spot

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 13, 2025, updated April 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of satisfying meals. From classic pasta dinners to hearty casseroles, these 34 quick and easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you're in the mood for something comforting or a bit more adventurous, there's a dish here that will hit the spot.

    Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

    CABBAGE ROLL IN A BOWL.
    Photo credit: Rustic Foodie.

    Cabbage Roll In A Bowl is a simple and tasty dinner option. It features ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

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    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Cheeseburger Casserole will remind you of a taste of home, a very comfortable dish with a single pot, simple, cheesy beefy, and tasty! Forever classic favorite food for your dinner!

    Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Skillet

    SWEET POTATO AND GROUND BEEF SKILLET.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    This simple skillet dinner is packed with flavor from a homemade Tex-Mex spice mix that includes chili powder, cumin, and coriander. It's all cooked in one pan, making it a great option for a family dinner on a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Korean Beef Bowl

    Korean beef served over rice.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish combines sweet and savory flavors in a delicious way. It features lean ground beef along with ginger, brown sugar, garlic, and some spices.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup is a warm and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a bowl. It's hearty, nutritious, and can be made in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Fajitas

    Ground Beef Fajitas.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    These ground beef fajitas are quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a tasty meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tater tot casserole and shepherd’s pie into a tasty one-pot meal. With frozen veggies for extra substance and a layer of shredded cheddar on top, it’s a complete dinner that everyone in the family will love.

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    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage cheese lasagna on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a cozy and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. You can even make it ahead of time, so it's perfect for busy days when you want something homemade without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    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 version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead for a tasty and healthy Mediterranean meal that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Sanctuary.

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a warm and comforting casserole that's perfect for a cozy meal. It features creamy egg noodles, a hearty beef sauce, and gooey cheese in every layer.

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    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This ground beef version of a Philly Cheesesteak is a quick and budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic favorite. With savory meat, gooey cheese, and delicious toppings all on a soft bun, it's a satisfying meal for any night.

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    Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake

    Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake.
    Photo Credit: My Suburban Kitchen.

    Weeknight dinners can be simple and satisfying without resorting to fast food. This Sloppy Joe biscuit bake is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Ground Beef Jambalaya

    Ground beef jambalaya.
    Photo credit: Palatable Pastime.

    Ground Beef Jambalaya puts a fun spin on the classic Cajun rice dish by mixing in beef and Andouille sausage. This dish is a hearty and flavorful option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    This stuffed Anaheim pepper boat - filled with juicy meat, overflowing with melted cheese, and bathed in the flavor of a creamy avocado sauce - is the dish you didn't know you needed.

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    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Savory with Soul.

    This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich, featuring plenty of ground beef, cheese, bell peppers, and onions. It's a creamy and filling dish that's perfect for a satisfying meal.

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    One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This dish combines dried spaghetti with ground beef, jarred sauce, and water, creating a simple one-pot meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making it thick and flavorful, so every bite is satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

    One Pot Ground Beef Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    This One Pot Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy. With just a few ingredients and easy cleanup, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a delicious meal that's perfect for busy nights. This dish can be prepared in advance and even frozen, making it a convenient option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Beefy Mac and Cheese

    Beefy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Sanctuary.

    Beefy Mac and Cheese is a delicious mix of creamy mac and cheese and savory ground beef. With a touch of tangy tomato sauce and a bit of sour cream, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Picadillo Soup

    Picadillo Soup.
    Photo Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

    This healthy Mexican Picadillo Soup combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and flavorful Mexican spices. It's gluten-free and a great choice for a cozy meal on a chilly evening, ready in just 30 to 45 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Nachos

    Nachos.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This nacho dish features a tasty mix of seasoned ground beef, ranch beans, black beans, onions, and garlic, all topped with sour cream, jalapenos, avocados, cilantro, lime slices, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a fun and satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    This one-pan pasta combines the flavors of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine. It's quick to prepare, easy to customize, and works well for both meat lovers and those who prefer plant-based meals.

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    Hobo Casserole

    Hobo Casserole.
    Photo credit: Bowl me Over.

    This one-pan meal is simple and tasty, perfect for the whole family. It features layers of tender beef, potatoes, creamy filling, and cheese, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

    Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.
    Photo Credit: Sweet & Savory Meals.

    Stuffed cabbage rolls are made by filling cabbage leaves with a tasty mix of ground beef and rice, all simmered in a homemade tomato sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for dinner and can be frozen for later use.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Air fryer meatballs with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Air fryer meatballs are quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have. They are juicy and tender inside, with a nice crispy outside.

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    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole features tater tots, a southwestern twist, and plenty of cheese. It's a fun and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy meal.

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    One Pan Fajita Pasta

    One Pan Fajita Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    One Pan Fajita Pasta combines pasta with classic fajita flavors like tomatoes, ground beef, and cheese for a comforting meal. It's quick and easy to prepare, all in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Hotpot

    Minced Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    This dish combines ground beef stew with sliced onions and scalloped potatoes, making it a cozy meal for chilly days. It's a hearty option that brings comfort and warmth to your table.

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    Chopped Cheese Sandwich

    Chopped Cheese Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: Cooking with Carlee.

    The chopped cheese sandwich is a quick and delicious dinner that brings the flavors of a New York City bodega right to your kitchen. It's easy to make, and everyone in the family will enjoy these cheesy sandwiches.

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    Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

    Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Living Lou.

    Slow cooker meatballs combine ground beef and pork with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices for a classic Italian dish. Simmered in tomato sauce until tender, they are great served over spaghetti.

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    Perfect Patty Melts

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

    Patty melts are a delicious sandwich featuring juicy burgers topped with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all grilled between crispy sourdough bread. This is a satisfying meal that's perfect for any time.

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    Lasagna Stew

    Lasagna Stew.
    Photo Credit: Kelly Neil.

    This hearty lasagna stew combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs

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

    Gyro-inspired air fryer meatballs are a simple and fast choice for dinner or meal prep. Just mix the ingredients and cook them, then pair with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      26 Cheap Casseroles That Will Feed Your Family
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      20 Set It and Forget It Vegetable Forward Dishes We’re Making All Summer Long
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      21 Dump-and-Bake Dinners for Busy Weeknights
    • Pizza baked butter beans.
      18 Cheesy Recipes That Will Have You Coming Back for More

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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