Dinner doesn’t have to be hard, especially when ground beef is in the fridge. It’s quick to cook, easy to use, and works with just about anything. These 19 ground beef recipes make weeknight dinners simple, with meals that come together fast and still taste great. When time is short and everyone’s hungry, these are the recipes that get the job done.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Chili
Let the slow cooker handle dinner while you go about your day, knowing a warm meal will be ready when you are. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple because it takes just a few minutes to throw together. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and great for feeding everyone without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Add smoky chipotle and creamy jalapeno mayo to a burger and turn a regular dinner into something more exciting. This is one of those delicious ground beef recipes that keeps things fast while still packing in bold flavor. It’s easy to make and works great for any night when you want something better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Meatballs and Sauce
Make a big pot of meatballs simmered in tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple because it uses just a few ingredients you already have. It’s filling, kid-friendly, and always hits the spot after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Wrap seasoned beef in flaky pastry and bake until golden for a quick meal that feels fun and tastes great. These are easy-to-make ground beef recipes that work well for dinner, school lunches, or snacks on the go. They’re fast to prep, simple to bake, and always a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Italian Meatball Soup
Fill your bowl with tender meatballs and rich broth for a meal that looks fancy but comes together fast. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple without skimping on flavor or comfort. It’s easy to make, great to reheat, and perfect when everyone wants something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Honey Habanero Tacos
Mix honey and habanero with ground beef for tacos that hit the sweet and spicy notes in every bite. These are delicious ground beef recipes that give you something different without adding more time in the kitchen. They’re quick to cook, easy to serve, and packed with bold flavor that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Stuff crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese right inside the burger for a rich, satisfying bite from start to finish. This is one of those easy-to-make ground beef recipes that feels special but is simple enough for any night. It’s fast to prep, quick to cook, and full of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Bake up a one-dish meal with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and lots of melted cheese for something hearty and filling. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple and cleanup even easier. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep around because it works every time and feeds everyone well.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Kefta Kebabs
Mix warm spices with ground beef, shape into kebabs, and cook them fast on the stove or grill for big flavor with little effort. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple while still tasting like something new. They’re quick, juicy, and easy to serve with whatever you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Skip the long prep of tamales and try this one-pan meal that brings the same flavor with half the work. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that saves time without missing out on comfort. It’s fast, filling, and perfect for nights when everyone’s hungry and you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Taco Potato Casserole
Layer seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and cheese into a hearty bake that brings Tex-Mex flavor to your table. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple and leaves everyone full and happy. It’s easy to throw together and always comes out warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potato Casserole
Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef
Mix ground beef with sauerkraut and cheese for a simple dish that’s tangy, rich, and packed with flavor. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple with just a few pantry ingredients. It’s a great pick when you want something a little different that still fills everyone up.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef
Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry
Stir fry ground beef with ginger and veggies for a fast and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. This is one of those easy ground beef recipes that works when you’re low on time but still want something homemade. It’s full of savory flavor, quick to make, and light enough for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Cook ground beef, rice, and vegetables in one pan for a quick dinner that saves time and doesn’t make a mess. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple and always turns out filling. It’s easy to customize, fast to make, and perfect for nights when you need a sure thing.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Mix eggs, ground beef, and cream cheese in one dish for a rich meal that works for breakfast or dinner. This is one of those easy to make ground beef recipes that uses just a few ingredients but fills you up fast. It’s simple to bake, easy to clean up, and ready in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Top a juicy burger with crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and sweet-spicy sauce for a meal that’s fast but still full of flavor. This is one of those delicious ground beef recipes that feels like something from a restaurant without leaving your kitchen. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Cook ground beef with crisp broccoli in a quick stir fry that works for any weeknight dinner. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that tastes good, cooks fast, and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes. It’s a go-to option when you need something healthy, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cook ground beef with mushrooms, cauliflower rice, and cheese for a creamy skillet meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple without sacrificing comfort. It’s rich, filling, and made in just one pan from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Combine beef, beans, green chiles, and cheese in a skillet for a fast meal full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. This is one of those ground beef recipes that makes weeknight dinners simple and cleanup easy. It’s hearty, bold, and ready to serve in less time than it takes to order food.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet