Ground beef is a kitchen favorite—it’s budget-friendly, versatile, and works in so many dishes. This list features classic recipes alongside creative ideas.
Perfect for family meals or quick snacks, there’s something here for every occasion. Let these recipes inspire your next delicious creation!
1. Classic Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are a simple and delicious weeknight meal. Season your meat with taco seasoning and serve with soft or hard shells.
Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese to make it complete. Don’t forget the sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Spaghetti Bolognese
A hearty spaghetti Bolognese always hits the spot. Simmer ground beef in tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Serve over a bed of spaghetti noodles for a comforting dish. Add Parmesan cheese on top for the perfect finish.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Classic Meatloaf
A classic meatloaf is a must-have recipe in your kitchen. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning before baking.
Brush it with a layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce for a tangy glaze. Slice it up and serve with mashed potatoes on the side.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Beef and Cheese Nachos
Beef nachos are great for game nights or parties. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and spread over a bed of tortilla chips.
Top it with melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh pico de gallo. Finish with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a comforting meal for any day. Layer ground beef cooked with vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes.
Bake until golden and bubbling for a perfect one-dish meal. Serve with a side of green peas or salad.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joes are a quick and family-friendly dinner idea. Cook ground beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce and pile it onto buns.
Add pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. Serve with chips or fries for a classic pairing.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Beef Chili
Beef chili is perfect for cold days or game nights. Simmer ground beef with beans, tomatoes, and chili spices for a hearty meal.
Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve with cornbread or over rice to complete the dish.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish everyone loves. Cook ground beef and mix it with macaroni and a cheesy sauce.
Add pickles and a little mustard for that burger-like flavor. This recipe is great for kids and adults alike.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Beef-Stuffed Bell Pepper
Stuffed peppers make a colorful and healthy meal. Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with ground beef, rice, and seasonings.
Bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender. Sprinkle with cheese for a melty topping.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a comforting dish for any time. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs and spices, then cook in a creamy sauce.
Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes for a filling meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Beef Quesadilla
Quesadillas are quick and perfect for busy nights. Fill tortillas with seasoned ground beef and lots of shredded cheese.
Cook until crispy on the outside and gooey inside. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Beef Enchilada
Beef enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying dish. Roll up seasoned ground beef in tortillas and cover with enchilada sauce.
Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly. Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Hamburger Steak
Hamburger steak is simple and delicious comfort food. Shape ground beef into patties and cook in a rich onion gravy.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty dinner. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables on the side.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Taco Salad
Taco salad is a lighter way to enjoy ground beef. Layer lettuce, seasoned beef, and your favorite taco toppings.
Add tortilla chips or a crunchy taco shell for texture. Drizzle with ranch or salsa for added flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
15. Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a classic and comforting dish. Fill cabbage leaves with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices.
Simmer in tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
16. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is creamy and comforting. Cook ground beef with mushrooms, onions, and a sour cream-based sauce.
Serve over egg noodles or rice for a satisfying dinner. Add fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Full recipe: click here.
17. Chili Mac
Chili mac is a great combination of chili and pasta. Mix cooked macaroni with ground beef, beans, and a tomato-based chili sauce.
Top it with cheese and bake until bubbly for a hearty meal. It’s a kid-friendly dinner idea.
Full recipe: click here.
18. Korean Beef Bowl
Korean beef bowls are quick and flavorful. Sauté ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then serve over rice.
Top with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch. Add steamed vegetables for a healthy touch.
Full recipe: click here.
19. Beef Lasagna
Beef lasagna is a classic Italian favorite. Layer pasta sheets with ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
20. Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are a filling and fun sandwich option. Fill a hoagie roll with meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Toast it until the bread is crispy and the cheese is gooey. Serve with chips or a side salad.
Full recipe: click here.
21. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are a healthy twist on stuffed peppers. Hollow out zucchinis and fill them with ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Bake until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Serve with a side of rice or salad.
Full recipe: click here.
22. Picadillo
Picadillo is a flavorful Latin American dish. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Add olives or raisins for a sweet and savory twist. Serve with rice or as a filling for tacos or empanadas.
Full recipe: click here.
23. Ground Beef Tacos in Lettuce Wrap
Lettuce wraps are a low-carb way to enjoy tacos. Fill large lettuce leaves with seasoned ground beef and your favorite toppings.
Add avocado or salsa for a fresh flavor boost. This dish is light, healthy, and delicious.
Full recipe: click here.
24. Beef and Bean Burritos
Burritos are a handheld favorite. Wrap seasoned ground beef and refried beans in a large tortilla.
Top with cheese, salsa, and sour cream before rolling up. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner.
Full recipe: click here.
25. Ground Beef Fried Rice
Fried rice gets a hearty twist with ground beef. Sauté beef with vegetables and mix it into cooked rice with soy sauce.
Add scrambled eggs and green onions for extra flavor. This dish is quick and perfect for leftovers.
Full recipe: click here.
26. Beef Ragu
Beef ragu is rich and flavorful. Simmer ground beef with tomatoes, red wine, and Italian herbs for a delicious pasta sauce.
Serve over wide noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality dish.
Full recipe: click here.
27. Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole combines ground beef, veggies, and tater tots. Layer cooked beef with creamy soup and top with crispy tater tots.
Bake until golden for a kid-approved dinner. It’s perfect for potlucks or weeknight meals.
Full recipe: click here.
28. Beef Empanada
Empanadas are a handheld treat filled with savory beef. Stuff pastry dough with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices.
Bake or fry until golden brown and flaky. Serve with a dipping sauce like chimichurri or salsa.
Full recipe: click here.
29. Beef Kebab
Beef kebabs are a fun grilling option. Season ground beef with spices, shape into logs, and skewer with vegetables.
Grill until charred and serve with flatbread or rice. These are great for summer cookouts.
Full recipe: click here.
30. Beef Taco Pizza
Taco pizza combines the best of both worlds. Top a pizza crust with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and taco toppings.
Bake until bubbly and garnish with lettuce and tomatoes. It’s a creative dinner idea everyone will love.
Full recipe: click here.
31. Cheeseburger Sliders
Sliders are perfect for parties or casual meals. Make mini burgers with ground beef and top with cheese, pickles, and condiments.
Serve on small buns for bite-sized perfection. Add a side of fries or chips for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
32. Beef Tamale Pie
Tamale pie is a hearty dish with a cornbread topping. Layer ground beef with enchilada sauce, cheese, and cornbread batter.
Bake until golden and serve with a dollop of sour cream. It’s like a deconstructed tamale in casserole form.
Full recipe: click here.
33. Beef Patties with Gravy
These patties are cooked in a rich gravy. Shape seasoned ground beef into patties and brown them before simmering in gravy.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal. Add steamed green beans or carrots for a veggie side.
Full recipe: click here.
34. Taco Soup
Taco soup is a quick and filling meal. Simmer ground beef with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
Serve with tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a hearty soup that warms you up.
Full recipe: click here.
35. Beef Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potatoes
This twist on shepherd’s pie uses sweet potatoes. Layer ground beef with veggies and mashed sweet potatoes for a flavorful dish.
Bake until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Serve with a simple green salad.
Full recipe: click here.
36. Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
A quick and healthy stir fry with ground beef and cabbage. Sauté them together with soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of ginger.
Serve over rice or noodles for a balanced meal. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
37. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe
A twist on the classic sloppy joe with a Philly cheesesteak vibe. Ground beef, onions, and bell peppers cooked with melted provolone.
Serve on toasted buns for a melty, savory sandwich. Pair with potato chips or a side salad.
Full recipe: click here.
38. Mexican Beef Picadillo Tacos
A rich and flavorful taco filling made with ground beef, tomatoes, and potatoes. Add cumin and cinnamon for authentic seasoning.
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef is a lifesaver when you need quick and tasty meals. These recipes are versatile and easy to customize.
Save this list for inspiration any day of the week. Get cooking and enjoy every bite!
Featured image credit to ©groundbeefrecipes.
