11 Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Love

Q: What are some easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients?

For a simple meal, try Classic Sloppy Joes, which only require ground beef, onion, and a few pantry-staple sauce ingredients. Another great option is a simple skillet meal with ground beef, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce, served over rice.

Q: How can I make my ground beef recipes healthier?

To make ground beef recipes healthier, start by choosing a leaner ground beef (90/10 or leaner) and always drain the excess fat after browning. You can also bulk up dishes with extra vegetables, like adding spinach to meatballs or zucchini to casseroles. Opting for whole-grain pasta or serving dishes over brown rice or quinoa also increases the nutritional value.

Q: What is a good way to add flavor to plain ground beef?

To elevate plain ground beef, start by browning it with aromatics like diced onion and minced garlic. Then, add seasonings based on your dish: for Italian, use oregano and basil; for Mexican, use cumin and chili powder. A splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or beef broth can also add significant depth and savory flavor.

That familiar question hits around 4 PM: “What’s for dinner?” You open the fridge and see that reliable, versatile, yet somehow uninspiring package of ground beef staring back at you. The usual suspects—spaghetti, tacos, burgers—feel tired and overdone. You need something new, but it has to be fast, easy, and something the whole family will actually eat without complaints.

The dinner rut is real. Juggling work, family, and life leaves little mental energy for creative meal planning. You’re looking for inspiration that won’t require a trip to a specialty grocery store or hours spent over a hot stove. You need a foolproof plan to turn that simple pound of ground beef into a delicious, satisfying meal that feels like a win.

Here’s the solution: Ground beef is a versatile, budget-friendly protein perfect for countless satisfying meals, from hearty casseroles and one-pan skillets to comforting soups and classic sandwiches. You can easily create a delicious, family-friendly dinner in 30 minutes or less, making it the ultimate weeknight hero for busy home cooks. As a busy home cook myself, I know the 5 PM scramble is real. These are my go-to, family-tested ground beef recipes that never fail to please.

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Stuck in a Dinner Rut? What Can You Make With That Pound of Ground Beef?

You can make countless satisfying meals, from hearty casseroles and one-pan skillets to comforting soups and classic tacos, often in 30 minutes or less, making ground beef a staple for busy families. This incredibly versatile and budget-friendly protein is the perfect blank canvas for a world of flavors, saving you from the dreaded “what’s for dinner” dilemma.

Forget the same old rotation. That pound of ground beef in your fridge is your ticket to a stress-free and delicious weeknight. Think beyond the basics and imagine a cheesy, bubbling casserole, a sizzling one-pan skillet packed with veggies, or a comforting soup that tastes like it simmered for hours. We’ve curated a list of 11 foolproof recipes that will break you out of your dinner rut and have your family asking for seconds.

11 Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Ask for Again (Updated for 2024)

The best ground beef dinner recipes are quick, use accessible ingredients, and cater to a variety of tastes, including one-pan skillets, comforting casseroles, and flavorful international dishes. Each recipe on this list has been selected for its simple instructions and proven success with even the pickiest eaters, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience any night of the week.

One-Pan Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Easy Taco Casserole
30-Minute Homemade Hamburger Helper
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Quick & Hearty Shepherd’s Pie
Korean Beef & Rice Bowls
Classic Stovetop Sloppy Joes
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Simple Taco Soup
Baked Italian Meatballs
Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

1. One-Pan Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

This quick skillet meal delivers all the flavor of classic beef tacos in a single pan, combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese for a complete dinner in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 can corn (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, toppings like sour cream, cilantro, avocado.
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water.
3. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: For a creamier texture, stir in 2 oz of cream cheese with the beans and corn. It completely transforms the dish!

Pin this 30-minute skillet meal for your next busy weeknight!

2. Easy Taco Casserole

This crowd-pleasing dish layers seasoned ground beef, refried beans, tortillas, and cheese into a simple, bake-ahead casserole that captures all the beloved flavors of tacos. It’s a fantastic way to serve a crowd or prep a satisfying meal for a stress-free weeknight.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can refried beans, 1 cup salsa, 6-8 flour tortillas, 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, optional toppings.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef, drain, and stir in taco seasoning and salsa.
2. Spread refried beans on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer tortillas, the beef mixture, and cheese, repeating until all ingredients are used. End with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with toppings.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip resting the casserole for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. It helps the layers set and makes it much easier to slice and serve.

Save this make-ahead casserole recipe for a stress-free dinner!

3. 30-Minute Homemade Hamburger Helper

This one-pot meal is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish made from scratch with ground beef and macaroni, offering a much tastier and healthier alternative to the boxed version. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup elbow macaroni, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven; drain fat.
2. Stir in beef broth, milk, macaroni, paprika, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to make a slurry. Stir into the pot.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Pro-Tip: For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard along with the spices.

Ditch the box! Pin this easy one-pot recipe for later.

4. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This hearty recipe is a comforting, layered bake of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple pantry staples to create a filling and satisfying dinner for the whole family.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 4 medium potatoes (thinly sliced), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef; drain fat and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
3. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, half of the ground beef, and half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Uncover, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Lesson Learned: Using a mandoline for slicing the potatoes ensures they are all the same thickness, which is key for even cooking.

A perfect comfort food dinner! Pin this recipe for a chilly evening.

5. Quick & Hearty Shepherd’s Pie

This classic comfort food features a rich filling of savory ground beef and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. My streamlined version is a simple, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion and carrots; drain fat.
2. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, corn, and peas. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish.
4. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture and spread evenly. Use a fork to create peaks.
5. (Optional) Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the potato topping is golden brown.

Pro-Tip: Use leftover mashed potatoes to make this recipe even faster! If they are a bit stiff from the fridge, warm them with a splash of milk to make them spreadable again.

Save this classic comfort food recipe to your dinner board!

6. 15-Minute Korean Beef & Rice Bowls

For an incredibly fast and flavorful meal, these bowls feature crumbled ground beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Served over rice, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it faster than takeout.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, cooked rice, sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Instructions:
1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
4. Pour the sauce over the beef and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat.
5. Serve immediately over hot rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Lesson Learned: Don’t substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic in this recipe. The fresh aromatics are what make the flavor pop in such a short cooking time.

Need dinner in 15 minutes? Pin this flavorful recipe now!

7. Classic Stovetop Sloppy Joes

A timeless family favorite, this recipe features seasoned ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, simmered on the stovetop and served on toasted buns. It’s a quick, nostalgic, and delightfully messy sandwich that always pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, hamburger buns for serving.
Instructions:
1. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain fat.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve generously on toasted hamburger buns.

Pro-Tip: A teaspoon of yellow mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar.

A family favorite! Pin this easy Sloppy Joe recipe.

8. Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

This one-pan meal captures all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce—without all the work. By deconstructing the ingredients into a simple skillet, you get a hearty and healthy dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 2 bell peppers (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked), 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef with onion in a large skillet or Dutch oven; drain fat.
2. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Fluff with a fork and serve. Optional: top with mozzarella or provolone cheese and let melt.

Lesson Learned: Be sure to use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This is crucial for trapping the steam needed to cook the rice properly.

All the flavor, half the work! Pin this easy skillet recipe.

9. Simple Taco Soup

This hearty soup is a dump-and-go meal that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with taco and ranch seasonings for a uniquely flavorful and comforting dinner. It’s incredibly easy to make on the stovetop and is perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can pinto beans, 1 can whole kernel corn, 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 can tomato sauce.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven; drain fat.
2. Stir in the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning.
3. Add all canned ingredients (do not drain). Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips.

Pro-Tip: This soup is even better the next day! Make a big batch for easy leftovers. It also freezes beautifully.

The perfect cozy soup! Pin this easy recipe for later.

10. Baked Italian Meatballs

These homemade meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy, seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs, and baked in the oven for a healthier, mess-free result. They are perfect for serving with marinara over pasta, in a sub, or as a simple appetizer.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg (beaten), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried parsley, salt and pepper.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce over spaghetti or in a sub sandwich.

Lesson Learned: Overworking the meat mixture is the #1 cause of tough meatballs. Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed for the most tender result.

Perfect for pasta night! Pin this foolproof meatball recipe.

11. Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

This fun casserole combines all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard—with tender pasta in a creamy, baked dish. It’s an ultimate kid-friendly comfort food that’s incredibly easy to assemble for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 8 oz pasta (cooked), 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef, cheddar cheese soup, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Optional: top with pickles and diced tomatoes before serving.

Pro-Tip: For an authentic ‘burger’ flavor, stir in some finely diced onion with the ground beef as it browns and top the finished casserole with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

A dinner your kids will beg for! Pin this easy recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Easy Ground Beef Dinners

Budget-Friendly Staple: Ground beef is an affordable protein that can be stretched to feed the whole family.
Ultimate Versatility: It’s a blank canvas for countless flavors, from Mexican skillets and Italian meatballs to classic American comfort foods.
Speed is Key: Most of these recipes can be on the table in 30-45 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonders: Many recipes, like the skillets and soups, use just one pot, which means less time spent on cleanup.
Family-Approved Flavors: These recipes focus on comforting, familiar tastes that appeal to both kids and adults.

Final Thoughts

That humble package of ground beef holds the potential for so many quick, delicious, and satisfying dinners. It proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or endless hours in the kitchen to put a wonderful home-cooked meal on the table.

With these 11 recipes in your back pocket, you’re ready to conquer any weeknight dinner dilemma. Which one are you excited to try first?

11 Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Love

Stuck in a Dinner Rut? What Can You Make With That Pound of Ground Beef?