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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    36 Ground Beef Ideas That Will Make Dinner a Breeze

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 25, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can make weeknight dinners quick and satisfying. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, there are countless ways to prepare it that will please the whole family. Here are 36 ideas that will help you whip up delicious meals with ease.

    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, taking less than 30 minutes and only using one pan.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Cowboy Casserole is a great choice for a simple dinner. It's creamy, cheesy, and filling, topped with crispy tater tots that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole

    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    Layered enchilada casserole is a simple dish that skips the need to roll tortillas. With layers of ground beef, cheese, and mild green enchilada sauce, this is a family favorite.

    Get the Recipe

    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    Enjoy a tasty mix of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors with this easy one-pan pasta. It's quick to prepare, can be tailored to your preferences, and is great for making ahead of time for dinner with family or friends.

    Get the recipe

    Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos.
    Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    When you're feeling hungry, there's no need to go out. This quick recipe can be put together in just 20 minutes and tastes just as great as takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Burgers can be enjoyed any time of the year, and you don't need a grill to make them. These smash burgers are quick and easy, cooked in butter on your stovetop, and ready to serve in about 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Beef and Beer Chili

    Beef and beer chili.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Beef and Beer Chili is a great choice for game day, busy weeknights, or a cozy family dinner. It's packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, plus a touch of beer for extra flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Mini cheeseburger sliders made with Hawaiian rolls are a quick dinner option that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. These little burgers are filled with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty pickles, all topped with a tasty homemade burger sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Fried Rice

    Ground Beef Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Ground Beef Recipes.

    Ground Beef Fried Rice is a hearty meal that you can whip up in just half an hour. It's a great option for a quick and filling dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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

    Zucchini boats filled with a tasty tomato sauce and topped with cheese are a great way to enjoy dinner. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.

    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

    One Pan Dorito Casserole

    One pan Dorito casserole on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick Dorito casserole comes together with just 10 ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. It's a simple and tasty option for dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Taco Rice

    Cheesy Taco Rice.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    Cheesy Taco Rice is a delicious one-skillet meal loaded with flavor, protein, and gooey cheese. It's a quick and easy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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

    This cheeseburger soup is quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and everything cooks in one pot. It's a simple and cheesy dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    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

    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    This creamy beef pasta is a fresh take on a classic dish that's full of flavor. It's a one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

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

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. You can come home to a warm, satisfying dinner that’s both hearty and nutritious.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Stew

    Ground Beef Stew.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This Ground Beef Stew is a filling and satisfying meal that you can easily make in your Dutch oven. It's perfect for a cozy dinner and packed with flavor.

    Get the Recipe

    German Spaghetti

    German Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Seanna's Kitchen.

    This German-style spaghetti features ground beef, onions, and celery cooked in butter and simmered with fresh tomatoes. It's a delicious dish that's sure to please everyone at the table!

    Get the Recipe

    One Pot Spaghetti

    One Pot Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Dance Around the Kitchen.

    One Pot Spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner that combines all the classic flavors in one dish. It saves time on cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is packed with delicious Mexican flavors and is a great option for busy weeknights. It's a healthier and more affordable choice than ordering takeout.

    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

    3 Cheese Lasagna

    3 Cheese Lasagna.
    Photo credit: Dominican Cooking.

    This delicious lasagna with three kinds of cheese and ground beef is a family favorite that everyone will enjoy. It's a go-to recipe for dinner, and you'll find that there are never any leftovers.

    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

    Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Cabbage Roll Casserole
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Yum.

    This cabbage roll casserole with ground beef is packed with all the great flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but is much easier to prepare. It's a simple and healthy option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders

    Big Mac cheeseburger sliders on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sweet Hawaiian rolls are filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey American cheese, then topped with fresh lettuce, pickles, onions, and a scoop of creamy Big Mac sauce. This is a quick and easy dinner that you can whip up in under 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Taco Potato Casserole

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This dish is a filling and tasty mix of Tex-Mex and comfort food. With seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty dish packed with beef and vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Taco Skillet

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

    This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a one-pan meal that everyone will enjoy. With a mix of spices, tasty beef, filling rice and beans, and lots of cheese, it’s a simple dinner that brings a festive vibe to any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Italian Beef Cannelloni

    Italian Beef Cannelloni.
    Photo Credit: Craving Some Creativity.

    Italian Beef Cannelloni is a tasty dish topped with a rich red sauce and lots of melted Mozzarella. It's simple to prepare, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and can be stored in the freezer for later.

    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

    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow cooker lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This Slow Cooker Lasagna is packed with cheesy goodness and flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, from simmering the meat sauce to baking the lasagna, without the hassle of boiling noodles separately.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Bolognese with Sausage

    Beef Bolognese with Sausage.
    Photo Credit; Cooking with Momma C.

    This Beef Bolognese with Sausage is quick to prepare, taking less than 90 minutes. It combines ground beef and Italian sausage with just the right amount of tomato for a classic taste.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Alfredo

    Ground Beef Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    This creamy ground beef alfredo is a classic dinner that's super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It's sure to be a hit and will quickly become a regular meal in your home!

    Get the Recipe

    Stuffed Pepper Skillet

    Stuffed Pepper Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    This Stuffed Pepper Skillet features soft peppers and ground beef cooked together in a tasty sauce, all topped with gooey cheese. It's a filling one-pan dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Taco stuffed sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fun twist on taco night. They’re filled with your favorite toppings and can be ready in under 20 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 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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