• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    35 Simple Ground Beef Ideas for a Stress-Free Meal

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 9, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can make meal prep easy and satisfying. With just a few simple ideas, you can create a variety of dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, these 35 recipes will help you whip up delicious meals without the stress.

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Dominican Cooking.

    Pastelón de arroz is a cheesy casserole that combines beef and rice, making it a great way to use up leftover rice. This dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and loaded with vegetables, making it a fantastic option for gatherings.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Southwestern Frito Pie

    Southwestern Frito Pie.
    Photo Credit: Dude That Cookz.

    Easy Southwestern Frito Pie is a classic dish loved in the Midwest and South. It features beef chili and cheese, with some extra toppings added for a delicious meal any time.

    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 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

    Lasagna Stew

    Lasagna Stew.
    Photo Credit: Kelly Neil.

    Lasagna stew is a comforting and filling dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple 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

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hearty soup is packed with pizza flavors and bow-tie pasta, making it a hit with the whole family. Plus, it's easy to freeze, so you can enjoy it later without much work.

    Get the Recipe

    Rigatoni Bolognese

    A bowl of Rigatoni Bolongese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This bolognese recipe brings together all the classic Italian flavors in less than an hour. It's a satisfying meal that's easy to whip up on a busy weeknight with everyday ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Donair Meatball Panzanella Salad

    Donair Meatball Panzanella Salad.
    Photo Credit: Kelly Neil.

    This Donair meatball Panzanella salad combines the popular Halifax donair in meatball form with the classic Tuscan Panzanella salad. It's a fun dish that offers a great mix of textures and flavors.

    Get the Recipe

    Chili Mac

    Gluten-free Chili Mac
    Photo Credit: Whole New Mom.

    This dinner is quick and simple, perfect for the whole family. It all cooks in one pan and can be made dairy-free and gluten-free.

    Get the recipe

    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Rigatoni Bolognese is a tasty one-pot dinner that's simple to make. This classic Italian meat sauce is great for weeknight meals or special occasions, especially when served over rigatoni pasta.

    Get the Recipe

    Spiced Ground Meat and Hummus

    Spiced Ground Meat and Hummus.
    Photo Credit: My Therapist Cooks/

    This dish features seasoned ground meat, which can be beef, lamb, pork, or even venison, served over hummus for a hearty meal or snack. It's perfect for dipping, stuffing into pitas, or adding to grain bowls.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Shepherd's Pie is a cozy dish that warms you up on a cold day. It's simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and you can use ground beef or lamb, making it a great option to prepare in advance and freeze for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is perfect for anyone who enjoys stuffed peppers. It's a filling meal, especially when served with cheese and breadsticks.

    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

    Smash Burger Quesadilla

    Smash Burger Quesadilla.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This smash burger quesadilla is a great choice for a cozy dinner at home. It comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the Recipe

    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. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

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

    This stew features ground beef and is a filling meal that you can whip up easily. It's budget-friendly and doesn't take much time to prepare.

    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 dinner is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    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

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    This walking taco casserole is packed with melted cheese, ground beef, taco seasoning, and crunchy corn chips like Fritos, all baked together for a tasty meal. It's a fun and simple dish that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    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 with Andouille sausage. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner that brings a bit of spice to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Gordita Crunch

    Crunchy tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy gordita crunch is a fun twist on taco night that’s easy to whip up. With just a few extra minutes and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade version that’s even better than what you’d get at Taco Bell.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

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

    Stuffed peppers can be ready in just 45 minutes with this simple recipe. Packed with tex-mex flavors and topped with cheese, they’re great on their own or with some tortilla chips.

    Get the recipe

    Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf

    Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish, featuring sausage and thick slices of peppercorn bacon. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.

    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

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features juicy ground beef that’s cooked just right and ready to be topped with your favorite burger fixings. With just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s an easy meal for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    A stack of meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer meatballs are quick and easy to prepare, taking less than an hour. They’re juicy and tender, and look great on your dinner plate.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a simple dinner option that you can whip up quickly. It features a tasty ground beef chili topped with frozen tater tots and lots of melted cheese.

    Get the Recipe

    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’s the perfect comfort food for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    This is a delicious way to enjoy enchiladas without having to roll them. Use ground beef or ground turkey!

    Get the Recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

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

    These meatballs are incredibly tasty and super easy to prepare. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they’ll be ready in under an hour.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

    Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas.
    Photo Credit: NeighborFood.

    Ground Beef Quesadillas are a hit with kids and perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and cheese, they can be ready in 30 minutes or less.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

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

    These peppers are filled with beef and rice, all simmered in a tasty marinara sauce. They cook easily in the slow cooker, making a cozy dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger soup is filled with juicy ground beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty potatoes in a tasty tomato broth. It's a quick and easy dinner that you'll want to make again and again!

    Get the recipe

    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, tomato sauce, soft egg noodles, and cheese come together for a casserole that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Steak potatoes and corn in slow cooker.
      20 Dump-and-Cook Recipes for a Relaxed Memorial Day Feast
    • White bean panzanella salad.
      19 Easy Summer Salads Perfect for Picnics and BBQs
    • A plate of shrimp ceasar pasta salad.
      22 Easy Ideas for Spring Pasta Dinners
    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      21 Lazy Dinners You Can Just Dump, Bake and Devour

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Crockpot lasagna.
      18 Simple Slow Cooker Meals Your Family Will Love
    • Meatball casserole.
      21 Cheap Dinner Casseroles We Can’t Stop Making
    • Patty melt.
      14 Stupid Simple Summer Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make You Love Cooking Again
    • Braised short ribs.
      18 Easy Crockpot Dishes for a Stress-Free Memorial Day Celebration

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB