9 Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes For Quick Dinners

Q: Why is Mexican restaurant ground beef so good?

The secret to that super fine, soft texture is how they cook the beef, often simmering raw ground beef with water and seasonings while breaking it up continuously. This process prevents the meat from forming large clumps and results in a very tender, evenly seasoned product that's perfect for tacos and burritos.

Q: What is ground beef called in Mexican food?

In Spanish, ground beef is called 'carne molida,' where 'carne' means meat and 'molida' means ground. You might see dishes on authentic menus listed as 'Carne Molida con Papas,' which is ground beef with potatoes, also known as Picadillo.

Tired of staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how to turn that package of ground beef into something exciting? We’ve all been there. The “what’s for dinner?” dilemma is real, especially on busy weeknights when time and energy are in short supply.

It’s so easy to fall into a dinner rut, making the same two or three ground beef recipes on repeat. You want something fast, but you’re also craving a meal that’s packed with flavor—something the whole family will actually look forward to eating. You need a solution that doesn’t involve complicated steps or a mountain of dishes.

Here’s the great news: these 9 easy Mexican ground beef recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. From one-pan skillets and hearty casseroles to classic tacos and authentic picadillo, you’ll find a new family favorite that’s ready in about 30 minutes and packed with incredible, vibrant flavor.

Contents show

Tired of the Same Old Dinner? Spice Up Your Week with These Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes

The answer to your weeknight dinner problems is simpler and more delicious than you think. Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that serves as the perfect canvas for the bold, savory, and spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. Forget boring meals; we’re talking about dinners that are quick, easy, and bursting with excitement.

As a busy home cook, I rely on these tried-and-true recipes to get a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. I’ve perfected them over the years for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You don’t need to be a professional chef to create a restaurant-quality meal. The secret often lies in a few key spices and a smart cooking technique—like the one I’ll share for getting that perfect, finely-textured restaurant-style ground beef.

These recipes are designed to be foolproof. Whether you’re craving a cheesy, comforting casserole, a zesty one-pan skillet, or the perfect taco filling, this list has you covered. Get ready to transform that simple pound of ground beef into a weeknight fiesta.

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

Here’s the deal: you can absolutely have a flavorful, exciting dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, and this list is your roadmap. This collection features 9 distinct and simple Mexican ground beef recipes designed specifically for speed and ease, without ever sacrificing taste. Each recipe has been tested in my own kitchen to ensure it’s not only delicious but also genuinely quick and easy for any skill level.

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Easy Mexican Casserole
Authentic Mexican Picadillo
Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Hearty Albondigas (Mexican Meatballs)
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Ground Beef Chile con Carne
Spicy Ground Beef Nachos
Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef Burritos

1. Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal is a complete dinner made with ground beef, rice, beans, and veggies that comes together in a single skillet in under 30 minutes, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed), 1 cup quick-cooking rice, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
4. Add tomato sauce, green chiles, black beans, rice, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat, top with cheese, and let it melt. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For a creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese just before adding the cheddar. It adds a wonderful richness.

Pin this one-pan wonder for your next busy weeknight!

2. Easy Mexican Casserole

This crowd-pleasing casserole is a layered bake of seasoned ground beef, salsa, beans, and sour cream, all nestled between crunchy tortilla chips and topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 (16 oz) can chili beans, 1 cup salsa, 4 cups crushed tortilla chips, 1 cup sour cream, 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives, 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions for garnish.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning, chili beans, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Layer with the beef mixture, followed by the sour cream.
5. Top with the remaining chips, black olives, and shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Lesson Learned: Don’t crush the tortilla chips into dust. Leave some larger pieces for better texture and crunch in the final casserole.

Save this cheesy casserole recipe for your next family dinner!

3. Authentic Mexican Picadillo

Authentic Picadillo is a savory and comforting Mexican stew made from finely crumbled ground beef and tender, small-diced potatoes simmered in a seasoned tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced small), 1 carrot (diced small), 1/2 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef. Drain the fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, and oregano.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with warm tortillas or rice.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, dice the potatoes and carrots to be roughly the same small size. This ensures they cook evenly and integrate perfectly with the ground beef.

Add this authentic Picadillo recipe to your comfort food collection!

4. Classic Ground Beef Tacos

The perfect taco meat is perfectly seasoned ground beef simmered in a light, flavorful sauce made from chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, and water, creating a classic weeknight staple.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, 8-10 taco shells. Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Add the tomato paste and water, stirring until the meat is coated in a light sauce.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve the taco meat in warmed taco shells with your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: The secret to non-greasy but flavorful taco meat is using an 85/15 ground beef and draining the fat before adding the seasonings. The tomato paste and water reintroduce moisture and create the perfect saucy consistency.

Make every Tuesday delicious! Pin this perfect taco recipe.

5. Hearty Albondigas (Mexican Meatballs)

Albondigas is a comforting one-pot Mexican meatball soup featuring tender meatballs made with ground beef, pork, and rice, all simmered in a rich, chipotle-infused beef and tomato broth.

Ingredients: For meatballs: 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup uncooked rice, 1 egg, 1 chopped chipotle in adobo, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. For soup: 6 cups beef broth, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chopped carrots, 2 cups fresh spinach.
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1-inch balls.
2. In a large pot, bring beef broth, diced tomatoes, and carrots to a boil.
3. Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 more minutes until wilted.
6. Serve hot.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. A light hand is key to tender, juicy albondigas. Overworking the meat will make them tough.

Pin this comforting soup recipe for a chilly evening!

6. Beef and Cheese Empanadas

These easy empanadas are savory, flaky hand pies filled with a spicy mixture of seasoned ground beef and melty Oaxaca cheese, all wrapped in a convenient store-bought pie crust.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 chopped chipotles in adobo sauce, 1 tsp cumin, 1 package refrigerated pie crusts, 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, 1 egg (beaten).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain fat.
3. Stir in chipotles and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes, then let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Unroll pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles.
5. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture and a pinch of cheese on one half of each circle.
6. Fold the dough over, press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork.
7. Place on a baking sheet, brush with the beaten egg, and cut small slits in the top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Pro-Tip: Don’t overfill the empanadas. It’s tempting, but it will cause them to burst open while baking. A tablespoon of filling is usually the perfect amount.

Save this perfect party snack and appetizer idea!

7. Ground Beef Chile con Carne

This recipe creates a rich, hearty bowl of chili featuring ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, all simmered in a deep, smoky sauce flavored with chipotles and classic chili spices.

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 large onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed), 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 2 chopped chipotles in adobo, 1 cup beef broth.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain fat.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, chipotles, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to deepen.
6. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers.

Lesson Learned: The longer this chili simmers, the better it gets. If you have the time, letting it go for 2-3 hours on low heat will result in an incredibly rich and complex flavor.

Pin this ultimate chili recipe for game day!

8. Spicy Ground Beef Nachos

The ultimate loaded nachos feature a layer of sturdy tortilla chips topped with saucy, taco-seasoned ground beef, a generous amount of melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings like jalapeños and guacamole.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce, 1 large bag of sturdy tortilla chips, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, Toppings: sliced jalapeños, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and green enchilada sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. Spoon the saucy beef mixture evenly over the chips.
6. Sprinkle generously with the cheese blend.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and top with your favorite nacho toppings.

Pro-Tip: To avoid soggy nachos, use a slotted spoon to add the beef mixture to the chips. This leaves any excess liquid behind in the pan, keeping your chips crispier for longer.

Your search for the perfect nacho recipe ends here. Pin it now!

9. Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef Burritos

This meal-prep recipe creates delicious, satisfying burritos packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, Spanish rice, and cheese, which can be frozen for a quick and convenient meal anytime.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 (16 oz) can refried beans, 2 cups cooked Spanish rice, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 8 large flour tortillas.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer until thickened.
2. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
3. Assemble the burritos: Down the center of each tortilla, layer refried beans, Spanish rice, seasoned ground beef, and shredded cheese.
4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom.
5. To freeze, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a large freezer bag.
6. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven until heated through.

Lesson Learned: Let all your fillings cool to room temperature before assembling the burritos for freezing. This prevents the tortillas from getting soggy from steam.

Pin this meal prep lifesaver for easy future dinners!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Mexican Ground Beef Dinners

Versatility is Key: Ground beef is the perfect base for countless quick Mexican meals, from one-pan skillets to baked casseroles and classic tacos.
One-Pan Wonders: For the fastest cleanup, choose a skillet recipe like the Mexican Ground Beef Skillet, which combines your protein, carbs, and veggies in a single pan.
Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the basics! A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder forms the foundation of great Mexican flavor. Adding canned green chiles or a splash of enchilada sauce can elevate any dish.
Meal Prep Champion: Make-ahead options like the Freezer-Friendly Burritos or the Mexican Casserole can save you valuable time on busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Now you have 9 incredible, easy, and delicious ways to transform a simple package of ground beef into a Mexican fiesta for your dinner table. There’s no need to be stuck in a dinner rut when these flavorful options are ready in a flash.

Which one of these recipes are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

9 Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes For Quick Dinners

Tired of the Same Old Dinner? Spice Up Your Week with These Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes