10 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners for Families

That pound of ground beef in your fridge or freezer holds so much promise. It’s affordable, versatile, and a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. Yet, how often do you find yourself staring at it, completely stuck in a dinner rut, defaulting to the same old spaghetti or burgers?

You know you need something fast, something the whole family will actually eat without complaints, and something that doesn’t require a last-minute trip to the store for a dozen obscure ingredients. The pressure to come up with a new, exciting, yet simple idea can turn that helpful pound of beef into a source of weeknight stress.

Here’s the deal: ground beef is a family dinner hero because it’s affordable, cooks quickly, and is incredibly versatile. With these 10 tried-and-true recipes, you can transform that simple ingredient into a delicious, satisfying meal that solves the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma in 30 minutes or less. From one-pot pastas to cheesy casseroles, we’ve got you covered.

Stuck in a Dinner Rut? What to Make with That Pound of Ground Beef Tonight?

The best thing to make with ground beef tonight is a quick and satisfying one-pan or one-pot meal that uses common pantry staples. Ground beef is a fantastic starting point for countless family-friendly dinners because it’s budget-friendly, cooks in minutes, and absorbs flavor beautifully. Whether you’re craving a cheesy casserole, a speedy stir-fry, or a comforting pasta dish, you can easily get a delicious meal on the table that everyone will love, even on the busiest of weeknights. As a busy home cook, I know the value of a quick, reliable recipe. These are the go-to ground beef dinners that save my weeknights time and time again.

10 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners Your Family Will Devour

Get ready to break out of your dinner routine! This list is packed with flavor and variety, designed specifically for busy families. In my experience, the best weeknight recipes are the ones that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. We’re talking 30-minute meals, one-pan wonders, and comforting classics that rely on common pantry ingredients. You don’t need to be a professional chef to master these easy ground beef recipes.

Here are 10 of the best quick and easy dinner recipes using ground beef:
1. 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
2. Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta
3. Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
4. 30-Minute Hamburger Stroganoff
5. Homemade Hamburger Helper
6. Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
7. Easy Taco Casserole
8. Classic 30-Minute Sloppy Joes
9. Quick Cottage Pie
10. One-Pan Beef and Chickpeas

1. 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a lightning-fast, one-pan meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout but is healthier and more budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of steak cuts the cooking time and cost dramatically, while a simple homemade sauce brings all the savory, garlicky flavor you crave. It’s the perfect solution for when you need dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.

• Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp ginger (grated). For the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce. Optional: cooked rice for serving.
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve immediately over rice.

Pro-Tip: For an even faster prep, use a bag of pre-chopped broccoli florets. You can also toss in other lonely vegetables from your fridge like sliced carrots or snow peas.

Save this 15-minute meal to your ‘Quick Dinners’ board!

2. Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta

One-Pot Taco Pasta is a cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the ease of a one-pot pasta dinner. Everything, including the pasta, cooks together in a single pot, creating a rich, savory sauce and making cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that’s perfect for a fun weeknight meal.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, 8 oz pasta (like shells or rotini), 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion over medium-high heat. Drain fat.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is well-coated.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, milk, and uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of the cheese until melted. Top with the remaining cheese, cover for 2 minutes to let it melt. Serve warm.

Lesson Learned: Use a pasta shape with plenty of nooks and crannies, like shells or rotini, to capture all the cheesy, savory sauce. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Pin this cheesy one-pot wonder for your next Taco Tuesday!

3. Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Baked Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate way to make crispy, less-messy tacos for a crowd. By baking them in a dish, you get perfectly crunchy shells filled with saucy, cheesy beef, all without the hassle of frying individual tacos. It’s a genius method for family taco night or a fun game day meal.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 2/3 cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch, 12 stand-and-stuff taco shells, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend. Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the water until dissolved, then pour into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a saucy consistency.
  3. Arrange taco shells standing up in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each shell. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are golden and crisp. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: The cornstarch slurry is the secret to a perfect, non-watery taco filling that doesn’t make the shells soggy. Stand-and-stuff shells are much easier to fill and arrange in the baking dish.

Add this easy baked taco recipe to your ‘Game Day Eats’ board!

4. 30-Minute Hamburger Stroganoff

Hamburger Stroganoff is a quick, creamy, and budget-friendly version of the classic beef stroganoff that delivers all the comforting flavor in just 30 minutes. By using ground beef instead of steak, you get a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for serving over egg noodles on a busy weeknight. It’s savory, satisfying comfort in a bowl.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup sour cream, cooked egg noodles for serving.
• Instructions:
  1. While your egg noodles are cooking according to package directions, brown the ground beef with the onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
  2. Add mushrooms and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the mushrooms are soft.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding sour cream.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stroganoff over hot, buttery egg noodles.

Lesson Learned: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, make sure you take the skillet off the heat before stirring it in. Full-fat sour cream also works better than low-fat for a creamier sauce.

Craving comfort? Pin this easy stroganoff recipe now!

5. Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a nostalgic, one-pot cheesy beef macaroni that’s far more delicious and wholesome than the boxed version. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this from-scratch recipe creates an incredibly creamy, savory, and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate kid-friendly comfort food that adults will love too.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 cups beef broth, 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot or skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
  2. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked macaroni. Stir well.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until macaroni is al dente.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro-Tip: For extra flavor depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the beef broth. This homemade version is just as fast as the box, but you control the ingredients!

Ditch the box! Save this easy homemade recipe for later.

6. Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

A Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty, rustic, and incredibly simple one-pan dinner that combines meat and potatoes into a complete meal. With crispy pan-fried potatoes, savory ground beef, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. It’s a true weeknight workhorse.

• Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (cubed), 1 onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown.
  2. Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the empty side and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain fat.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir everything together. Add the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to coat everything.
  5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.

Lesson Learned: Cutting the potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2-inch) is key to ensuring they cook through quickly and evenly in the skillet. Leftovers are fantastic served as a hash with a fried egg on top for breakfast!

Pin this hearty one-skillet meal for a no-fuss dinner!

7. Easy Taco Casserole

This Easy Taco Casserole is a fun and delicious baked dish that layers all your favorite taco flavors—seasoned beef, beans, corn, and cheese—with crunchy tortilla chips. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a family. This casserole delivers that irresistible taco night experience in a warm, comforting, and shareable format.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained), 1 cup salsa, 4 cups sturdy tortilla chips (slightly crushed), 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef; drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa.
  3. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then half of the cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers: remaining chips, remaining beef mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro-Tip: Use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips. They hold up much better in the casserole and won’t get soggy. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or add a layer of refried beans.

Your family will love this! Save this easy taco casserole recipe.

8. Classic 30-Minute Sloppy Joes

Classic Sloppy Joes are the ultimate nostalgic, quick, and kid-friendly dinner, featuring a sweet and savory ground beef mixture piled high on soft hamburger buns. This 30-minute recipe is incredibly simple to make and uses just a few pantry staples to create a messy, fun, and delicious meal that always hits the spot. It’s a timeless family favorite for a reason.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (chopped), 1 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp mustard, 6 hamburger buns.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain fat.
  2. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
  5. Serve the sloppy joe mixture piled high on toasted hamburger buns.

Lesson Learned: Toasting the hamburger buns is a small step that makes a big difference. It helps them hold up to the saucy filling without getting soggy too quickly.

Save this classic comfort food recipe for a fun weeknight dinner!

9. Quick Cottage Pie

Quick Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort food made easy for a weeknight, featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with a fluffy layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s a complete meal in one cozy, baked dish. This simplified version uses shortcuts to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing any of the heartwarming flavor.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef and onion. Drain fat.
  3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish.
  5. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture. Use a fork to create some peaks on the surface.
  6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the potato topping is golden brown.

Pro-Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes or even store-bought mashed potatoes to make this recipe incredibly fast. Running a fork over the potato topping creates crispy, browned peaks.

Pin this ultimate comfort food recipe for a cozy night in!

10. One-Pan Beef and Chickpeas

One-Pan Beef and Chickpeas is a wholesome and flavorful meal that comes together in a single skillet and is perfect for serving over rice. This dish combines seasoned ground beef with hearty chickpeas and tomatoes, creating a simple, protein-packed topping that’s both healthy and satisfying. It’s a true weeknight win for when you need something nutritious and fast.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (rinsed and drained), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp coriander, cooked basmati or jasmine rice for serving.
• Instructions:
  1. Start your rice cooking in a separate pot so it’s ready at the same time.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion over medium-high heat. Drain fat.
  3. Add the garlic, cumin, and coriander, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chickpeas.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve the beef and chickpea mixture over the fluffy, hot rice.

Lesson Learned: Starting the rice before you begin cooking the beef mixture is the key to having everything finish at the same time for a true weeknight win. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors.

Save this healthy and hearty one-pan meal for a busy night!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to easy dinner recipes ground beef

• Versatility is Key: Ground beef isn’t just for burgers. It shines in stir-fries, pastas, casseroles, and skillet meals, preventing dinner boredom.
• Speed is Your Ally: Most of these family-favorite recipes can be on the table in 30 minutes or less, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
• One-Pan/One-Pot Wins: Look for recipes like the Taco Pasta or Beef & Potatoes Skillet to minimize cleanup time.
• Pantry Power: Many delicious ground beef meals can be made with simple pantry staples you likely already have, like pasta, canned tomatoes, and spices.
• Comfort is King: From Hamburger Stroganoff to Cottage Pie, ground beef is the foundation for many of our most-loved comfort food dishes.

People Also Ask About easy dinner recipes ground beef

What is an easy dinner to make with ground beef?

One of the easiest dinners is a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet. You simply brown the beef with cubed potatoes, onions, and peppers in a single pan. It’s a complete, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Other incredibly easy options include classic Sloppy Joes or a Homemade Hamburger Helper, both of which are ready in under 30 minutes and use common pantry staples.

What can I cook if I only have ground beef?

If you only have ground beef, you can still make a delicious meal by raiding your pantry. Combined with pasta, jarred sauce, and cheese, you can make a quick meat sauce. With rice and soy sauce, you can create a simple beef and rice bowl. If you have bread or buns, you can always make classic burgers or a simple meatloaf by mixing the beef with breadcrumbs and an egg.

How can I make ground beef recipes healthier?

To make ground beef recipes healthier, start by choosing lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) and always drain the excess fat after browning. You can also bulk up any dish with extra vegetables, like adding spinach to pasta sauce or extra bell peppers and zucchini to a skillet meal. This adds nutrients and fiber while stretching the meat further.

Final Thoughts

With these 10 quick and easy recipes in your back pocket, that pound of ground beef in your freezer is your ticket to a stress-free and delicious weeknight dinner. You’ve got this!

What’s your family’s favorite go-to ground beef recipe? Share it in the comments below