9 Easy Ground Beef Recipes For Quick Weeknight Dinners

Stuck in a dinner rut with that package of ground beef sitting in your fridge? You know it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but if you have to make one more basic burger or plate of tacos, you might just scream. It’s a common weeknight dilemma for so many of us.

The cycle is predictable: you buy ground beef because it’s easy, but then your mind goes blank. You scroll through endless, complicated recipes that require a dozen ingredients you don’t have. You end up defaulting to the same two or three meals, and the excitement for dinner slowly fades. You need inspiration that’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require a trip to a specialty grocery store.

Here’s the deal: for a quick and delicious weeknight meal beyond the usual, you can whip up a 15-minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry, a cheesy one-pot Taco Pasta, or a comforting Hamburger Stroganoff. These ground beef recipes are designed to break you out of your routine, using pantry staples to create exciting dinners that are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Tired of the Same Old Burgers and Tacos? Here’s What to Make with Ground Beef Tonight

Stuck in a dinner rut with ground beef? For a quick and delicious weeknight meal, try a 15-minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry, a one-pot Taco Pasta, or a comforting Hamburger Stroganoff. These recipes are budget-friendly and ready in 30 minutes or less.

Let’s be honest, ground beef is the undisputed hero of weeknight cooking. It’s economical, cooks up in minutes, and is loved by even the pickiest eaters. But that same convenience can lead to a serious case of recipe fatigue. You know there’s a world of possibilities beyond the usual suspects, but who has the time to find them?

That’s where this list comes in. I’ve personally curated my top 9 go-to ground beef recipes that have saved my weeknights time and time again. These aren’t just meals; they are solutions. They are fast, packed with flavor, and use simple ingredients. Get ready to transform that humble package of ground beef into something truly exciting.

9 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners (Updated for 2024)

The best easy ground beef recipes for quick weeknight dinners include one-pot pastas, skillet stir-fries, and comforting casseroles that come together in 30 minutes or less. These dishes maximize flavor while minimizing cleanup, making them perfect for busy families.

Below are nine tried-and-true recipes that prove ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. From Asian-inspired bowls to classic American comfort food, there’s a new favorite here for everyone.

1. 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

For a healthy meal that’s faster than takeout, make a savory and sweet ground beef and broccoli stir-fry. This simple recipe combines browned ground beef and crisp broccoli florets in a delicious garlic-ginger sauce, all ready in about 15 minutes.

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something flavorful but am short on time. It’s a fantastic way to pack in some veggies, and the sauce is absolutely addictive.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to create the sauce.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and the sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Serve immediately over hot rice or noodles.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly cooked broccoli, I often briefly steam or blanch the florets for just 1-2 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This little step ensures they are perfectly tender without watering down the delicious sauce.

Pin this 15-minute dinner idea for your next busy weeknight!

2. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

To combine two family favorites into one easy meal, make a one-pot cheesy taco pasta. Everything, including the uncooked pasta, cooks together in a single pot with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and broth, finished with a generous amount of melted cheese.

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It delivers all the zesty flavor of tacos in a comforting, carby pasta dish, and the best part? Minimal cleanup!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 lb pasta (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work well)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and the uncooked pasta.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

Pro-Tip: From my experience, using a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gives you the absolute best results. The sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, while the Monterey Jack delivers that epic, creamy “cheese pull” that everyone loves.

Save this one-pot wonder to your ‘Easy Dinners’ board!

3. 30-Minute Hamburger Stroganoff

For a quick and budget-friendly version of a classic comfort food, make creamy hamburger stroganoff. This dish features browned ground beef and mushrooms in a savory sour cream sauce, served over buttery egg noodles, and is ready in just 30 minutes.

This is pure comfort in a bowl. It has that rich, nostalgic flavor of traditional beef stroganoff but comes together so much faster and is much easier on the wallet.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Cooked egg noodles, for serving
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the grease.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they have softened and released their liquid.
  3. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and remove the skillet from the direct heat. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Crucially, do not let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream.
  5. Serve immediately over a bed of hot, buttered egg noodles.

Lesson Learned: The first time I made this, I curdled the sour cream by adding it to a boiling sauce. To prevent this, make sure to temper it. I take a big spoonful of the hot liquid from the pan and mix it into the sour cream in a separate bowl first. Then, I stir that warmed mixture back into the pan. It works every time!

Pin this comforting 30-minute meal for a cozy night in!

4. The Ultimate Sloppy Joes

For a classic, crowd-pleasing sandwich, make homemade sloppy joes with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe uses seasoned ground beef simmered in a simple sauce and served on toasted hamburger buns for a perfect weeknight meal.

Forget the canned stuff! Making sloppy joes from scratch is incredibly easy and tastes a million times better. It’s a fun, messy, and delicious dinner that brings back great memories.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • Hamburger buns, for serving
• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper over medium heat. Drain the excess grease.
  2. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix well to combine.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to deepen.
  4. Serve the mixture generously on toasted hamburger buns.

Pro-Tip: My number one rule for amazing sloppy joes is to always toast the buns. Spreading a little butter on the inside of the buns and toasting them in a pan not only adds incredible flavor but also creates a crucial barrier that prevents them from getting soggy from the delicious, saucy filling.

Need a fun dinner? Pin this classic Sloppy Joes recipe!

5. Crowd-Pleasing Taco Casserole

For an easy, baked dinner with Mexican flavors, make a layered taco casserole with ground beef, tortilla chips, and cheese. This simple dish involves layering your favorite taco ingredients in a baking dish and baking until everything is hot and bubbly.

Think of this as a deconstructed, shareable taco that you can eat with a fork. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and you can customize it with all your favorite toppings.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans or black beans, drained
  • 1 large bag of sturdy tortilla chips
  • 2-3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
  3. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of slightly crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
  4. Top the chips with a layer of beans (if using), followed by the seasoned ground beef mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly around the edges.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture and to avoid a soggy bottom layer, I always use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips. The thinner chips tend to disintegrate during baking, but the sturdier ones hold up beautifully and provide a much better crunch.

Save this easy Taco Casserole recipe for your next Taco Tuesday!

6. Quick Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls

To make a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal in under 20 minutes, try these sweet and savory Korean ground beef bowls. The ground beef is cooked in a simple but delicious sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then served over rice.

This recipe is a weeknight game-changer. It has the addictive flavor profile of Korean bulgogi but uses ground beef for a super fast and affordable alternative. It’s a huge hit with my family every single time.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp orange juice or rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Hot steamed rice, for serving
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  2. While the beef is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat beautifully.
  4. Serve the beef mixture in bowls over a bed of hot steamed rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Lesson Learned: Whatever you do, don’t skip the toasted sesame oil. It’s not just another ingredient; it’s the key to that deep, nutty, and authentic flavor that makes this dish so special. I learned to add it at the very end of cooking, just before serving, to preserve its incredible aroma and taste.

Pin this quick and flavorful Korean Beef Bowl for a dinner win!

7. Quick Cottage Pie (Shepherd’s Pie with Beef)

For a hearty and traditional comfort food casserole, make a quick cottage pie using ground beef. This dish features a savory filling of ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, all topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.

Technically, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. This version is the ultimate cozy meal. Using leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes makes it an incredibly fast and satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3-4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain off the grease.
  3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. If not using an oven-safe skillet, pour the beef mixture into a baking dish.
  5. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the beef filling. Use a fork to create little peaks and ridges on the surface.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the potato topping is starting to turn golden brown.

Pro-Tip: My secret for an extra crispy and beautifully golden-brown topping is to brush the mashed potatoes with a little melted butter or sprinkle them with cheese before baking. The little ridges you make with the fork will catch the heat and get wonderfully browned and delicious.

Save this ultimate comfort food recipe for a chilly evening!

8. Easy Skillet Baked Ziti

To get the flavor of a classic baked pasta dish without the wait, make this easy skillet baked ziti. The entire meal, including the pasta, cooks in one oven-safe skillet and is finished under the broiler for that perfect cheesy, bubbly top.

This is how you do baked ziti on a weeknight. It has all the comforting elements—hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—but it’s ready in a fraction of the time and with way fewer dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 box (16 oz) ziti or penne pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Instructions:
  1. In a large, deep, oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain the grease.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce, uncooked pasta, and enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir everything together.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.
  4. Remove from the heat. Stir in dollops of ricotta cheese throughout the pasta.
  5. Top everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Lesson Learned: It’s important to keep a close eye on the liquid level as the pasta cooks in the sauce. If it starts to look too dry before the pasta is cooked, don’t hesitate to add another splash of water or broth. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures it cooks through evenly.

Pin this one-skillet Italian dinner for a weeknight feast!

9. 20-Minute Ground Beef and Gravy

For an incredibly simple and comforting meal using pantry staples, make rich ground beef and gravy. This 20-minute recipe creates a savory, satisfying gravy filled with crumbled ground beef, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or toast.

This is the definition of a simple, hearty meal. It’s what I make when I need dinner on the table now and only have the most basic ingredients on hand. It’s surprisingly flavorful and deeply satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off the fat and set the cooked beef aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring, until the gravy thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
  5. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to coat it in the gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Pro-Tip: To get an even richer, deeper flavor in your gravy, I recommend using a good quality, low-sodium beef broth. Then, you can add a splash of soy sauce or crumble in a beef bouillon cube for an extra umami boost that really makes a difference.

Save this ultimate simple comfort meal for a busy day!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to ground beef recipes

• Go Beyond the Basics: Ground beef is incredibly versatile. Move beyond burgers with recipes like Korean Beef Bowls and Hamburger Stroganoff.
• One-Pot Wonders: Save time on cleanup with single-pan meals like Taco Pasta and Skillet Ziti, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Faster Than Takeout: Dishes like the 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry offer a healthier, quicker, and more affordable alternative to ordering out.
• Comfort Food Classics: Easily whip up nostalgic favorites like Sloppy Joes and Cottage Pie in 30 minutes or less for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

People Also Ask About ground beef recipes

What can I make with ground beef besides tacos and burgers?

You can make a huge variety of dishes beyond tacos and burgers! Try a quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry for an Asian-inspired meal, a creamy Hamburger Stroganoff over egg noodles for a comfort food classic, or a hearty Cottage Pie with a mashed potato topping. Ground beef is also perfect for one-pot pastas, casseroles, and savory Korean-style rice bowls, offering endless possibilities for quick weeknight dinners.

What are some cheap ground beef dinners?

Some of the cheapest ground beef dinners rely on inexpensive pantry staples like pasta, rice, and potatoes. Sloppy Joes are incredibly economical. Ground Beef and Gravy served over mashed potatoes is another budget-friendly classic. Additionally, One-Pot Taco Pasta stretches a pound of ground beef to feed a whole family, making it a delicious and filling meal that is very easy on your wallet.

How do I make ground beef taste different and more flavorful?

The key to making ground beef more flavorful is using diverse seasonings and building a good sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor profiles. For an Asian flair, use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. For Mexican dishes, use cumin, chili powder, and oregano. For Italian meals, use basil, oregano, and garlic. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or beef broth can also add a deep, savory umami flavor to almost any ground beef dish.

Final Thoughts

With these nine ideas, your weeknight dinner routine just got a major upgrade. That simple package of ground beef holds the potential for so many delicious, exciting, and, most importantly, easy meals. There’s no reason to be stuck in a rut when a flavorful dinner is less than 30 minutes away.

Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below