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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    36 Simple Ground Beef Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 28, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, there are countless ways to prepare it for dinner. Here are 36 simple recipes that will help you whip up a satisfying meal tonight.

    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef

    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: State of Dinner.

    Creamy Egg Noodles with Ground Beef is a comforting dish that offers the delicious flavors of stroganoff without much effort. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick and hearty that everyone will enjoy.

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    Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Soulfully Made.

    This Easy Pizza Noodle Bake is a simple dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for weeknight dinners when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Greek Meatballs

    Greek Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    These Greek Meatballs are a tasty mix of ground beef and pork, filled with flavorful feta cheese. They’re perfect as a quick appetizer or a simple dinner option, especially when paired with homemade Tzatziki.

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    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

    Lebanese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

    Lebanese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms.
    Photo credit: Every Little Crumb.

    Stuffed artichoke bottoms are bright and flavorful, offering a delightful bite. Using frozen artichoke bottoms makes this a quick and satisfying meal, perfect alongside rice.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

    Ground Beef & Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Jar of Lemons.

    This one-pan Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is super simple to make and cooks right on the stovetop. With tender rice, veggies, and seasoned ground beef topped with cheese, it's a tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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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 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 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 super easy dinner that only requires one pot. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making it thick and flavorful, so every bite is satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

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

    Enjoy enchiladas in a simpler way that skips the rolling. You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for this easy dish.

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    Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie

    Shepards Pie with Tater Tots,
    Photo Credit: Mama's On a Budget.

    This dish puts a fun spin on a classic favorite. It features a mix of beef and veggies, all covered with melty cheese and crispy tater tots.

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    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

    Baked Meatballs

    Baked Meatballs.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Baked meatballs are made with just beef and are really easy to prepare. You can enjoy them with spaghetti and red sauce or use them for Italian meatball subs and other dishes.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

    A bowl of Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Eat Your Beets.

    This dish combines chili and macaroni in a comforting way. It's a great option for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole

    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

    This casserole features ground beef mixed with a creamy tomato sauce, all cooked in one skillet. Topped with plenty of cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots, it's a hearty meal that's easy to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Grits & Pinecones.

    Mexican Beef Rice Skillet is a quick and easy dish that brings together flavorful ingredients in just one pan. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Giant Meatballs

    Giant Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Luci's Morsels.

    These giant meatballs are perfect for satisfying your cravings, whether as an appetizer or served over pasta. They're tender and delicious, resting on a bed of herbed ricotta, and you'll find that making them is really easy.

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    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

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

    This slow cooker meatloaf is a tasty option that doesn't require using the oven. With just a few basic ingredients, it's perfect for your holiday dinner plans.

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    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

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This cheesy tater tot casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

    This casserole is both healthy and tasty. It's a simple dinner that you can prepare in one pan and have ready in under an hour.

    Get the Recipe

    Beef Lasagna

    Beef Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    Lasagna is one of the most comforting meals you can enjoy, with its hearty meat sauce, creamy layers, and plenty of cheese. Beef lasagna is a favorite for many, offering a satisfying and delicious option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Italian Stuffed Peppers

    Italian Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: From a Chef's Kitchen.

    Italian Stuffed Peppers are a cozy and satisfying dish. They feature green bell peppers filled with ground beef and farro, all smothered in a tasty tomato sauce for a filling meal.

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    Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings

    Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Culinary Ginger.

    Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings is a classic British dish that brings warmth and comfort. This filling meal is cooked in one pan, making it easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Weeknight Chili

    Easy Weeknight Chili.
    Photo Credit: Worn Slap Out.

    This chili is easy to make, packed with meat, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Just top it with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!

    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 Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce

    Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    These meatballs with rice are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce that brings back great memories. This is a fun and easy dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This chili is made in the slow cooker with beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina. It's packed with delicious Southwest flavors.

    Get the Recipe

    Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet

    MEXICAN BEEF AND RICE SKILLET.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    This Mexican beef and rice skillet is a quick and easy dinner that you can make all in one pan. It transforms ground beef into a flavorful meal that's sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

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

    This stew is made from scratch with ground beef for a very hearty meal that requires minimal effort and money.

    Get the Recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    The Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. With tasty ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos, this is a great choice for busy weeknights or fun get-togethers.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Burrito Casserole

    Creamy Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This creamy burrito casserole is packed with layers of ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and peppers, giving it a delicious Mexican twist. It's a simple dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    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

    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun with my Three Sons.

    Egg Roll in a Bowl features tender ground beef, fresh greens, and a savory kick from soy sauce, making it a quick and tasty dinner option. This dish combines healthy ingredients and zesty spices for a simple one-pan meal that's low in carbs.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This creamy macaroni and cheese combines all the classic flavors of American beef chili in one easy dish. It's a great option for beginner cooks and is sure to please everyone in the family.

    Get the recipe

    Cattle Drive Casserole

    Cattle Drive Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    This is a filling and tasty layered meal that combines the bold flavors of the Old West with a touch of Tex-Mex. It's perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

    Ground beef lettuce wraps.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. They’re a delicious way to enjoy a meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    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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