When dinner needs to happen fast, ground beef makes things easy. It cooks quickly, fills everyone up, and works with whatever you have in the fridge. You don’t need fancy steps or hard-to-find stuff to make something good. These 13 simple ground beef recipes are just right for busy nights and hungry family members who don’t want to wait.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Italian Meatball Soup
Grab a spoon and dig into a bowl of tender meatballs floating in rich, savory broth that’s full of flavor. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that feels like it took all day, but it comes together fast. It’s a great pick for busy nights when everyone wants something warm and filling without waiting long.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Keep dinner simple with meatballs simmered in thick tomato sauce that brings out big flavor without much effort. This is one of those delicious ground beef recipes that takes just a few ingredients to make something satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding hungry kids fast on any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Crockpot Chili
Toss a few things in the slow cooker and let it handle dinner while you handle everything else. This chili is one of the best simple ground beef recipes because it makes a big, hearty meal with barely any work. It’s a smart choice when time is tight and the whole house is ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Change up burger night with smoky chipotle heat and creamy jalapeno mayo that brings the flavor without the fuss. This is one of those delicious ground beef recipes that keeps dinner exciting without making it harder. It’s fast, filling, and way better than anything from a drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Spoon into layers of ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and soft rice that all bake together in one easy dish. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that works great when you need to feed a group without making a mess. It’s a go-to option when dinner has to be fast but still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Bite into a golden pastry stuffed with seasoned ground beef that’s packed with flavor in every piece. These are easy-to-make ground beef recipes that work for dinner, snacks, or even lunches on the go. They’re fast to prep, fun to eat, and always a hit with kids and grown-ups.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Kefta Kebabs
Fire up the stove or grill and shape up these juicy kebabs full of ground beef and warm spices. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that comes together fast but tastes like something special. It’s a great way to keep dinner interesting on a busy night without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Honey Habanero Tacos
Shake up taco night with the sweet and spicy flavor of honey mixed with just the right amount of habanero heat. These tacos are one of those delicious ground beef recipes that feel new but are still easy to make. They’re quick to put together and bring bold flavor to the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Skip the long steps and still get the taste of tamales with this fast skillet version packed with seasoned ground beef. This is one of those simple ground beef recipes that makes a filling meal without much prep. It’s an easy fix for nights when you want big flavor but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Load up your burger with crispy bacon and melty cheese stuffed right inside where it all stays hot and gooey. This is one of those easy-to-make ground beef recipes that brings something fun to a regular dinner. It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in way less time than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Stir up this creamy skillet meal with ground beef, mushrooms, cauliflower rice, and cheddar that all come together in one pan. It’s one of those simple ground beef recipes that saves time without losing flavor. Dinner is done in about 30 minutes, and cleanup is just as quick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Stack thick slices of avocado, crispy bacon, and a homemade honey-sriracha sauce on a juicy ground beef patty. This is one of those delicious ground beef recipes that doesn’t take long but still feels like something worth sitting down for. It’s fast, filling, and full of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Throw rice, ground beef, and a mix of veggies into one pan for a simple meal that checks every box. This is one of those go-to, simple ground beef recipes that work great on nights when time is short and hunger is high. It’s filling, easy, and always gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner