• 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

    39 Easy Ideas for What to Make With Ground Beef

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 2, 2025, updated April 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens. From classic burgers and meatballs to hearty casseroles and flavorful tacos, there are so many ways to enjoy this protein. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or something a bit more special, here are 39 ideas to inspire your next cooking adventure.

    Skillet Stuffed Peppers

    Skillet Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    Skillet stuffed peppers are easy to prepare and packed with great flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

    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

    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

    Dorito Casserole

    Dorito casserole.
    Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

    This Dorito casserole combines layers of nacho Doritos, ground beef, red and green salsa, and melted cheese for a delicious meal. With its lively Mexican flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit.

    Get the recipe

    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 meal for chilly nights. This simple recipe is a milder take on mapo tofu, and kids will love its smooth texture and flavorful sauce.

    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 and enjoyable meal that everyone in the family will appreciate.

    Get the Recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole,.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Walking Taco Casserole is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. It combines the cheesy goodness of a walking taco and can be ready in just 30 minutes using a cast iron skillet.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar

    Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This easy meatloaf topped with BBQ sauce and brown sugar is a delicious dish that the whole family will love. It’s full of flavor and can be ready in just 10 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Recreate the delicious flavor of Wendy’s chili right at home with this easy recipe. It includes all the beans, veggies, and spices you need to enjoy a hearty bowl just like the original.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheeseburger Dumplings

    Cheeseburger Dumplings.
    Photo credit: Little Nomad's Recipes.

    Cheeseburger dumplings are a fun and easy meal that kids will love. They combine two favorites into one tasty dish that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Beef.
    Photo Credit: Dude That Cookz.

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a simple dish featuring soft pasta, ground beef, sausage, homemade marinara, and plenty of cheese. It's perfect for any day of the week and works well when you have a big group to feed.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This soup is packed with fresh veggies, ground beef, and pasta. It's a filling and cozy meal that has everything you need in one bowl!

    Get the Recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

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

    These meatballs are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. 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

    Taco Rice (Okinawan Style)

    A bowl of taco rice with toppings.
    Photo Credit: Plates by Nat.

    Japanese style taco rice features tasty ground beef served over rice, topped with fresh tomato, lettuce, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s quick to prepare in about 20 minutes and is sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

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

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that everyone in the family will appreciate. With ground beef, carrots, peas, and creamy mashed potatoes on top, this dish is sure to be a hit.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pot Lasagna Soup

    One Pot Lasagna Soup.
    Photo Credit: Soups to Savor.

    Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of meat, tomatoes, and cheese in a lighter, more comforting form. It's a great option when you're in the mood for lasagna but want something a bit easier to enjoy.

    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, but I've added some extra toppings to boost the flavor, making it a great meal for any time.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Pasta shells filled with cheese and meatballs, all covered in a simple tomato sauce, create a comforting dish. This is a classic meal that everyone 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

    10 Minute Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch

    A platter of cheesy Gordita crunch.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These cheesy gordita crunch tacos are made with simple, real ingredients and have a flavor that rivals your favorite fast food. They’re a delicious homemade option that’s sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger soup combines tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and potatoes in a tasty tomato broth. It's a quick and easy dinner you'll want to make often!

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Casserole

    A plate of Big Mac casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mary's Whole Life.

    This Big Mac casserole combines the classic flavors of a Big Mac into a delicious baked dish. It features lean ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a tasty high-protein Big Mac sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    This simple recipe is a hit with the family and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It's perfect for classic comfort food that you can prepare in advance.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Taco Soup

    Taco soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This taco soup offers all the great flavors of tacos without the mess, perfect for a cozy meal. By mixing V8 and broth, it creates a thicker soup packed with veggies, making it a satisfying choice.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Save time in the kitchen with this Instant Pot bolognese! A rich and hearty pasta sauce, this instant pot recipe brings all the flavors of the classic dish simmered for hours into a quick meal with basic pantry ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crispy flautas are filled with ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick meal. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy them with a refreshing avocado cilantro sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna).
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Pastitsio is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna. It features layers of pasta, a hearty ground beef sauce with a hint of cinnamon, and a creamy béchamel topping.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Baked Meatballs

    Cheesy Baked Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Simply Delicious.

    Cheesy baked meatballs are a simple and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. With juicy meatballs in a tasty tomato sauce and melted cheese on top, this dish is sure to please.

    Get the Recipe

    Kimchi Sloppy Joes

    Kimchi Sloppy Joe.
    Photo credit: Served From Scratch.

    This classic dish gets a fun twist with some Korean flavors. It's a great way to enjoy ground beef in a new and exciting way.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This cheesy hamburger hashbrown casserole is super comforting and satisfying. It comes together quickly, making it a great dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Salisbury steak is a comforting dish that features a juicy, flat meat patty topped with a rich mushroom gravy. It’s a simple and affordable meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes, all in one skillet.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef & Broccoli

    Ground Beef And Broccoli.
    Photo credit: LIving Chirpy.

    This healthy meal comes together quickly with just 9 ingredients and only one pan. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Meatballs

    Baked Meatballs.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Baked meatballs are simple to prepare and made entirely with beef. They use just a few ingredients you likely already have, and you can enjoy them with spaghetti, in meatball subs, or however you like.

    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

    Beef Enchiladas

    BEEF ENCHILADAS.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    This enchilada recipe features flavorful ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich homemade Tex Mex sauce. It's a satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    American Goulash

    American Goulash
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    American Goulash is a simple, one-pot dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. It's a comforting meal that's great any time of the year and even tastier the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl with chopsticks.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Egg roll in a bowl is a quick and simple one-pan dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Packed with fresh veggies and tasty flavors, it features a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.

    Get the recipe

    Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet

    Cauliflower beef taco skillet on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    The Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet is a tasty, low-carb dish that hits the spot when you're in the mood for Mexican food. It's a quick meal that you can whip up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Fajitas

    Ground beef fajitas served on a tortilla.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ground beef fajitas are a quick and easy dinner option. This simple dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

    Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    This Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. In under 30 minutes, you can have a cheesy pasta dish loaded with spinach, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Sheet pan chicken fajitas.
      28 Dump-And-Bake Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Lemongrass grilled chicken.
      Memorial Day BBQ: 24 Recipes That Will Make You the Grill Master
    • Feta stuffed chicken.
      19 Simple Sunday Night Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
    • John Wayne casserole.
      24 Dump-And-Cook Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook

    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.

    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

    • Baked ratatouille.
      18 Memorial Day Casseroles That Are a Guaranteed Hit

    • 25 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes Perfect for Your Memorial Day Potluck

    • Chicken pesto pasta salad.
      18 Delicious Pasta Salads That Are Perfect for Summer Picnics

    • Cabbage roll casserole.
      18 Cheap Beef Dinners You Can Just Dump, Bake and Devour

    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