15 Amazing Recipes with Ground Beef for Every Occasion

Ground beef is the ultimate kitchen workhorse – affordable, versatile, and ready to transform into countless delicious meals. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or preparing comfort food for the weekend, recipes with ground beef offer endless possibilities that satisfy both your budget and your taste buds.

From classic comfort foods like hearty meatloaf to international favorites like beef tacos, ground beef adapts beautifully to different cooking styles and flavor profiles. It cooks quickly, absorbs seasonings wonderfully, and provides the protein foundation for meals that keep your family coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for busy households.

This collection of 15 recipes with ground beef will revolutionize your meal planning. We’ve included everything from 15-minute skillet dinners to make-ahead casseroles, ensuring you have options for every schedule and craving. Let’s dive into these crowd-pleasing recipes that prove ground beef is anything but boring.

Quick Weeknight Dinners

1. One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

This hearty one-pan wonder combines seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice and vegetables for a complete meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
3. Stir in rice, coating it with the beef mixture
4. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes
6. Remove from heat, top with cheese, and let stand 5 minutes
7. Garnish with green onions before serving

Storage Tip: Leftovers keep for 3 days in the refrigerator and reheat beautifully in the microwave.

2. Classic Beef Tacos

These authentic-tasting beef tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you want a fun, interactive dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1/2 cup water
• 8-10 taco shells or soft tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink
2. Drain excess fat
3. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes
4. Warm taco shells according to package directions
5. Fill shells with beef mixture and desired toppings

Customization Tip: Make it healthier by using lettuce wraps instead of shells, or try different toppings like avocado, cilantro, or pickled jalapeños.

3. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

This creamy, comforting dish transforms simple ground beef into an elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, then remove and set aside
3. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and onion until golden
4. Add garlic and flour, cook for 1 minute
5. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly
6. Return beef to pan, add Worcestershire sauce
7. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in sour cream
8. Serve over noodles, garnished with parsley

Comfort Food Favorites

4. Hearty Beef Chili

This soul-warming chili is perfect for cold days and gets even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot
2. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until softened
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and all spices
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
6. Serve with cornbread, cheese, or sour cream

Make-Ahead Tip: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

5. Traditional Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe delivers moist, flavorful results every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mix all ingredients except extra ketchup in a large bowl
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish
4. Brush top with additional ketchup
5. Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing

6. Beef and Potato Casserole

This layered casserole is comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Brown ground beef and season with salt and pepper
3. Layer half the potatoes in a greased 9×13 baking dish
4. Top with beef, onion, and half the cheese
5. Layer remaining potatoes
6. Mix soup and sour cream, spread over top
7. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour
8. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, bake 15 minutes more

International Flavors

7. Beef Empanadas

These golden, flaky pastries filled with seasoned beef make perfect appetizers or light meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef with onion until beef is browned
2. Add spices, cook 2 minutes more, then cool
3. Stir in chopped eggs and olives
4. Cut pie crusts into 4-inch circles
5. Place filling on half of each circle, fold and seal edges
6. Brush with beaten egg
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden

8. Korean Beef Bowls

These sweet and savory bowls bring Korean flavors to your dinner table in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet
2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes
3. Add sauce to beef, simmer 3-4 minutes
4. Serve over rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Pasta and Skillet Meals

9. Beef and Macaroni Skillet

This one-pot wonder combines pasta and beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce that kids and adults love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef with onion in a large skillet
2. Add uncooked macaroni, broth, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12-15 minutes
4. Stir in milk and cheese until melted and creamy
5. Season with salt and pepper

10. Spaghetti Bolognese

This rich, meaty sauce transforms simple spaghetti into a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot, then remove
2. Sauté vegetables until softened
3. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook 1 minute
4. Return beef to pot, add tomatoes, wine, and herbs
5. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. Serve over cooked spaghetti with Parmesan cheese

Creative and Fun Options

11. Beef-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These colorful peppers make an impressive presentation while delivering comfort food satisfaction.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Brown ground beef with onion
3. Mix in rice, tomatoes, half the cheese, and seasonings
4. Stuff peppers with mixture
5. Place in baking dish with 1/2 inch water
6. Cover and bake 35 minutes
7. Top with remaining cheese, bake 5 minutes more

12. Beef and Bean Quesadillas

These crispy quesadillas make perfect appetizers or quick lunches.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• Butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and water
2. Spread beans on 4 tortillas
3. Top with beef mixture and cheese
4. Cover with remaining tortillas
5. Cook in buttered skillet 2-3 minutes per side until golden
6. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream

13. Shepherd’s Pie

This British classic layers seasoned ground beef with vegetables under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter
2. Brown ground beef with onion
3. Add tomato paste, cook 1 minute
4. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetables
5. Simmer until thickened
6. Transfer to baking dish, top with mashed potatoes
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden

14. Beef Lettuce Wraps

These light, fresh wraps offer all the flavor with fewer carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can water chestnuts, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic
2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger
3. Stir in water chestnuts and cook 2 minutes
4. Serve mixture in lettuce cups
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

15. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes

These loaded potatoes make a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes
2. Brown and season ground beef
3. Cut open potatoes, fluff flesh with fork
4. Top with butter, sour cream, beef, and cheese
5. Return to oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese
6. Garnish with green onions

Start Your Ground Beef Adventure Today

These 15 recipes with ground beef prove that this versatile ingredient deserves a starring role in your meal rotation. From quick weeknight solutions to weekend comfort food projects, ground beef adapts to any cooking style and flavor preference you can imagine.

The beauty of cooking with ground beef lies in its flexibility – most of these recipes can be customized with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cooking methods. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.

We’d love to hear about your ground beef cooking adventures! Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Share your results and any creative variations you discover in the comments below. Happy cooking, and remember – with ground beef in your freezer, a delicious dinner is always within reach!