Ground beef is one of the easiest ingredients to work with, and it can make weeknight dinners easy and satisfying. These 23 recipes show how to turn simple ingredients into meals the whole family will enjoy. You’ll love these easy to follow recipes that are packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Try a handheld meal that bakes up golden in no time and delivers bold, savory flavor. Flaky pastry wraps seasoned ground beef for a quick dinner or snack that the whole family will enjoy. These empanadas are perfect weeknight ground beef favorites that combine ease, taste, and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Honey Habanero Tacos
Make tacos with a sweet and spicy kick that come together fast. Ground beef cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with honey and habanero for a bold, balanced taste. This delicious ground beef meal turns ordinary weeknights into fun, flavorful dinners everyone will want.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Flip a burger that brings smoky chipotle and creamy jalapeno mayo together in every bite. The patty stays juicy while keeping prep simple and dinner fast. This quick ground beef dinner makes weeknights more exciting without adding extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Crockpot Chili
Toss ground beef with simple ingredients in the slow cooker for rich, hearty flavors with almost no effort. The meal fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and satisfies hungry appetites. This weeknight ground beef favorite works well for feeding a crowd with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Meatballs and Sauce
Shape juicy meatballs that simmer in a thick tomato sauce full of flavor and aroma. The recipe comes together quickly using ingredients you probably already have on hand. This quick ground beef dinner keeps weeknight meals simple, filling, and kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Cook a skillet full of seasoned ground beef for a meal that captures tamale flavor without the long prep time. Everything cooks in one pan for a warm, satisfying dish that comes together quickly. This weeknight ground beef favorite saves time while still delivering bold, comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Try a burger stuffed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar for a juicy, flavorful bite. The patty cooks fast without extra hassle but feels special enough to make dinner stand out. This quick ground beef dinner adds excitement to weeknights without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Mix ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one pan for a meal that is hearty and fuss-free. It cooks quickly and keeps cleanup simple while feeding the whole family. This reliable ground beef dinner turns a busy weeknight into a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Italian Meatball Soup
Serve tender meatballs in a rich, flavorful broth that comes together in less than an hour. The combination of meat, herbs, and simple ingredients makes a comforting meal fast. This weeknight ground beef favorite brings warmth and taste without hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Kefta Kebabs
Shape spiced ground beef into juicy kebabs that cook quickly on the grill or stove and fill the kitchen with savory aroma. The bold flavors bring variety to dinner and make a simple meal feel special without extra effort. These easy kebabs are perfect for busy nights when both taste and speed matter, and they pair well with a quick side or salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Toss ground beef, rice, and vegetables into a skillet for a hearty, filling meal ready fast. The dish cooks quickly and keeps everything in one pan for easy cleanup. This reliable ground beef dinner makes weeknight meals simple, comforting, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Hoisin Beef
Stir ground beef with hoisin sauce and simple seasonings for a sweet and savory meal ready in minutes. The bold flavors mix easily for a fast, tasty dinner. This quick ground beef dinner brings variety to weeknights without added effort.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Cook ground beef with udon noodles, ginger, garlic, and sriracha for a dish that rivals takeout in flavor. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes for a filling, fast meal. This quick ground beef dinner makes weeknights exciting while keeping prep simple.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Taco Potato Casserole
Layer ground beef, diced potatoes, and cheese into a casserole that bakes up hot and cheesy. The combination is hearty and satisfying, making dinner simple to prepare. This weeknight ground beef favorite turns a busy night into a full, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potato Casserole
Cheeseburger Skillet
Cook ground beef in a creamy tomato sauce that tastes like a cheeseburger without the extra carbs. The dish comes together quickly for a filling, family-friendly meal. This easy ground beef dinner is perfect for fast weeknight cooking with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Sauté ground beef with crisp broccoli for a quick stir-fry that cooks in just one pan. The combination is light yet filling, and it’s full of simple, savory flavors that come together fast. This quick ground beef dinner is perfect when time is short but you still want a satisfying, homemade meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Mix ground beef with sweet potatoes for a one-pan meal that balances savory and slightly sweet flavors. It cooks fast while keeping prep and cleanup minimal. This weeknight ground beef favorite brings variety and ease to busy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Combine ground beef with beans, green chiles, and cheese for a skillet dinner full of flavor. It comes together quickly for a filling meal the whole family will enjoy. This quick ground beef dinner makes weeknight cooking easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Korean Beef and Broccoli
Stir ground beef and vegetables with a sweet and spicy sauce for a fast, flavorful dinner. Everything cooks in one pan for convenience and minimal cleanup. This weeknight ground beef meal is great for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli
Taco Rice Skillet
Cook ground beef with rice and simple seasonings in one pan for a complete dinner in about 20 minutes. The meal is hearty and satisfying without extra steps. This quick ground beef dinner is perfect for filling weeknight meals that come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef
Layer tangy sauerkraut with ground beef and melted cheese for a hearty dish that bakes quickly. The flavors mix well for a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. This weeknight ground beef favorite makes busy dinners easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef
Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Mix ground beef with eggs and cream cheese for a dish that works for dinner or breakfast alike. Everything bakes together in one pan for fast prep and easy cleanup. This quick ground beef dinner is filling, simple, and ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry
Stir fry ground beef with fresh vegetables and ginger for a fast, savory meal. The crisp vegetables and bold flavors come together in minutes. This delicious ground beef dinner is perfect for weeknights when time is tight but flavor matters.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry