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Looking for dinner inspiration? Try these 20 easy ground beef recipes that are fast, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving something cozy, family-friendly, or just need a quick weeknight meal, these recipes with ground beef will have you covered!
Ground beef is the ultimate dinner hero that’s not only affordable, but quick to cook and always satisfying. I always have frozen ground beef in my freezer and find myself reaching for it whenever I am not sure what to make for dinner, or when I don’t have much time on hand to come up with dinner for the kids.
Ground beef is always my go-to because there are so many ways to cook it up, and I have rounded up some of my favorite recipes with ground beef to share with you. But before we get started, here are a few things I would like to share first.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef
Choose the right fat content for your ground beef: Most stores will have two types. 80/20 (lean-to-fat ratio) is great for juicy burgers, while 90/10 or leaner works best for tacos, soups, casseroles, and everything else.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook ground beef in batches if needed so it browns instead of steaming. Most ground beef packages are about 1 pound, which is fine. Cooking more? Cook in batches.
Drain excess fat: This is something I always like to do. After browning, drain the grease from the cooked ground beef to keep dishes lighter and healthier (unless you need it for flavor in sauces).
Season at the right time: Add salt and spices once the beef starts browning, and not too early when the beef is still raw; otherwise, it can dry out.
Boost the flavor: Try adding onions, garlic, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking for extra depth and flavor.
Store smart: Cooked ground beef keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. They are perfect for meal prepping.
Common Questions
Can I freeze raw ground beef?
Yes! I like to wrap ground beef tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before storing. Frozen ground beeg lasts up to 4 months in the freezer.
How do I thaw ground beef safely?
The best way is to keep it overnight in the fridge and allow it to thaw naturally. If you need it quickly, place the sealed package in a bowl of Lukewarm water and change the water every 30 minutes until the ground beef is fully thawed.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey is a leaner option compared to beef and works well in most recipes. The flavor will be slightly different than that of ground beef.
How long does cooked ground beef last?
Cooked ground beef will stay fresh and last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Ground beef recipes
Here are some of my favorite ground beef recipes you can make for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
5 from 3 votes
Ground Beef and Rice
My ground beef and rice recipe is just what you need! It’s savory, a little sweet, and has a kick of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without the fuss.
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are savory, sweet, and a little spicy—just the way we like them. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want to treat yourself to something hearty and delicious.
This hot honey Ground Beef High Protein Bowl has been going viral on TikTok and Social media. It is loaded with protein, easy to make, so filling, and perfect for those who are looking for a high-protein lunch or dinner.
This ground beef taco salad is filling, easy to make, and so tasty! Made with a creamy cilantro lime dressing, and needs only 30 minutes to put together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and ideal for taking to work for lunch the next day!
These cheesy, savory stuffed bell peppers are the perfect weeknight dinner to make for your family. Made with tender ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and cheddar cheese, they’re hearty, meal-prep friendly, and easily customizable.
Viral Turkish Pasta, also called Manti, is an easy, simple, and delicious pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious way to make meatballs? Look no further—these Air Fryer Meatballs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Cabbage Roll Soup turns classic cabbage rolls into a hearty, healthy soup that the whole family will love. This soup is packed with flavorful veggies and comforting broth. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that also happens to be gluten and dairy-free.
This Zucchini Lasagna recipe is a great low-carb lasagna casserole made with zucchini instead of pasta for a healthier option. Filling, easy to make, so tasty, and keto-friendly. It makes for a delicious lunch or dinner recipe and is perfect for those who meal prep.
This easy-to-make Meatball Soup recipe is filled with tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a warm tomato broth. It’s a tasty and comforting weeknight dinner perfect for a chilly day!
Skip the bun in this Sloppy Joe Casserole made with pasta, a saucy ground beef mixture, and shredded cheese. You’ll enjoy all of the incredible flavors of a sloppy joe sandwich in casserole form for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!
Hearty and meaty, this delicious beef Bolognesesauce recipe is comfort in a bowl. An aromatic dish that’s packed with flavor, you’re going to want to make this weekly. Easy to make and the perfect weeknight dinner recipe, the whole family will love.
This tasty Beef enchilada recipe is made with sautéed onion, jalapeño, garlic, and ground beef rolled up in tortillas with red enchilada sauce and cheese, and topped with more enchilada sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection. This easy, flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
This Lasagna Soup Recipe has all the incredible flavor of classic lasagna in a comforting soup. It’s easy to make with very little prep work and is ready to serve in just about 30 minutes. It might even be better than the traditional version!
This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a satisfying, comforting dinner that’s great to make as the weather turns cool. Tender cabbage leaves are layered and baked with a tomato and beef sauce, parmesan cheese, rice, and bubbling mozzarella in this easy casserole.
This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory beef, veggies, and tender potatoes. It’s like a warm hug in a dish—hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
This Easy Beef Burrito Meal Prep bowl recipe is made with lean ground beef, brown rice, sweet corn, and black beans, and then topped with a delicious Avocado Cream sauce.
This Greek Moussaka Recipe is made with a lean ground beef sauce and layered with zucchini instead of potatoes for a low-carb option. It is very easy to make, so flavourful, and the perfect weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family can enjoy.
This Big Mac Salad is like your favorite burger, deconstructed in a bowl! It has so much flavor and texture, you’ll love every bite! It features tender beef, pickles, cheese, and fresh veggies all topped with homemade Big Mac sauce!
I hope you enjoy these easy and simple recipes made with ground beef. If you try a recipe and you like it, leave me some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it!
