Ground beef is quick, versatile, and easy to cook, which makes it a go-to for busy weeknight dinners. These 21 simple recipes show how basic ingredients can turn into meals the whole family will enjoy. These recipes come together fast, are full of flavor, and help take the stress out of getting dinner on the table. Make weeknights easier by keeping cooking simple without sacrificing taste.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Chili
Ground beef cooks slowly with simple ingredients in the slow cooker, creating a rich and hearty meal with deep flavor. The aromas fill the kitchen and make everyone ready for dinner even before it is served. This easy ground beef dinner works well for busy nights when a filling and satisfying meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
A juicy ground beef patty is topped with smoky chipotle and creamy jalapeno mayo for bold flavor that comes together quickly. The burger cooks in minutes while staying tender and juicy. This quick ground beef dinner makes weeknight meals more exciting without adding extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Meatballs and Sauce
Tender meatballs made from ground beef simmer in thick tomato sauce that is rich and full of flavor. The sauce combines with the meat to create a satisfying dinner that comes together in very little time. This filling ground beef dinner keeps weeknight meals simple and kid-friendly while still tasting homemade.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Flaky pastry wraps around seasoned ground beef to make a handheld meal that bakes quickly and stays golden on top. The filling is savory and comforting, while the crust adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. This tasty ground beef dinner turns busy nights into easy, satisfying meals for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Kefta Kebabs
Spiced ground beef is shaped into kebabs that cook fast on the stove or grill while keeping the inside juicy. The seasoning brings bold flavor to each bite without adding extra effort. These tasty kebabs are perfect for nights when time is short but taste is still important.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese cook together in one pan to make a hearty, filling dinner. The dish is simple to assemble and keeps cleanup quick and easy. This satisfying ground beef recipe makes weeknight meals easy, comforting, and delicious for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground beef cooks quickly with sweet honey and spicy habanero for tacos that are bold and flavorful. The combination balances sweetness and heat to create a meal that comes together in minutes. These tacos turn weeknight dinners into fun, simple meals the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
A ground beef patty is stuffed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar for a juicy, flavorful burger that cooks fast. Each bite combines richness and convenience without extra prep. This easy ground beef dinner adds excitement to a regular weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Italian Meatball Soup
Tender ground beef meatballs float in a rich broth full of herbs and flavor that cooks quickly. The combination of meat and sauce makes a filling dinner that comes together in under an hour. This comforting ground beef recipe is ideal for weeknights when time is limited but flavor matters.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Seasoned ground beef cooks in one skillet for a dish that captures the taste of tamales without long prep. The flavors mix together for a warm, satisfying meal that comes together fast. This easy ground beef dinner saves time while still delivering bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground beef stir-fries with fresh vegetables and ginger for a fast, savory meal packed with flavor. The vegetables stay crisp while the beef cooks quickly for a complete dinner. This quick ground beef recipe works well when weeknights are busy, but flavor is still important.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Sauté ground beef with crisp broccoli in one pan for a light but filling stir-fry that cooks fast. The flavors blend easily while keeping the meal simple and satisfying. This quick ground beef dinner is perfect for nights when a fast, wholesome meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Cheeseburger Skillet
Ground beef cooks in creamy tomato sauce to make a dish that tastes like a cheeseburger without extra carbs. The meal comes together quickly and fills the table with hearty flavor. This easy ground beef dinner works well for fast weeknight cooking with big taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Hoisin Beef
Ground beef cooks with hoisin sauce and simple seasonings to make a sweet and savory meal in minutes. The flavors mix quickly while keeping prep easy and cleanup minimal. This quick ground beef dinner brings variety and bold taste to weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Ground beef mixes with eggs and cream cheese to make a baked dish that works for breakfast or dinner. Everything cooks together in one pan to save time and reduce cleanup. This filling ground beef dinner is simple, hearty, and ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Ground beef cooks with udon noodles, garlic, ginger, and sriracha to create a fast, flavorful meal. The dish comes together in less than 30 minutes while keeping prep simple. This easy ground beef dinner makes weeknight cooking exciting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Taco Rice Skillet
Ground beef cooks with rice and seasonings in one pan to create a hearty, complete dinner that comes together quickly and easily. The flavors blend well, making the meal filling and satisfying for the whole family while keeping cleanup simple. This straightforward ground beef dinner is perfect for weeknights when a quick, tasty, and hassle-free meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Ground beef mixes with rice and vegetables in one skillet to make a complete, hearty meal that cooks quickly. The dish keeps prep minimal while feeding everyone. This fast ground beef dinner is ideal for weeknights when simplicity and flavor are needed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Korean Beef and Broccoli
Ground beef cooks with broccoli and a sweet-spicy sauce in one pan for a fast, flavorful dinner. The combination of meat and vegetables cooks quickly while keeping cleanup simple. This easy ground beef recipe is great for weeknights or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground beef cooks with sweet potatoes in one pan to balance savory and slightly sweet flavors. The dish comes together quickly while keeping prep and cleanup simple. This filling ground beef dinner adds variety and ease to busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Ground beef cooks with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese in one skillet for a creamy, filling meal. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes and keeps cleanup easy. This easy ground beef dinner delivers rich flavor while saving time on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice