When time is short and hunger is high, chop meat also known as ground beef or minced meat is a go-to hero in kitchens everywhere. It’s affordable, cooks quickly, and works beautifully in everything from hearty dinners to light lunches and quick snacks. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, feeding a family on the fly, or just craving comfort food, chop meat offers endless possibilities.
From sizzling skillet dishes and crowd-pleasing casseroles to meatballs, tacos, and stuffed veggies, here are 12 delicious chop meat recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
1. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Description:
A rich and hearty meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, served over tender spaghetti noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chop meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Serve sauce over pasta with Parmesan.
2. Beef Tacos
Description:
Seasoned chop meat tucked into crispy taco shells with fresh toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tsp homemade blend
- 1/4 cup water
- Taco shells
- Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado
Instructions:
- Cook chop meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Add seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon into taco shells and add toppings.
3. One-Pot Beef and Rice Skillet
Description:
A simple, satisfying skillet meal with seasoned chop meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown chop meat with onion and garlic. Drain fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, rice, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, cover for 5 minutes to melt.
4. Juicy Beef Meatballs
Description:
Tender, oven-baked meatballs perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until just combined.
- Shape into 1.5-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Description:
Colorful peppers filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown chop meat with onion in a skillet. Drain fat.
- Stir in rice, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
- Fill pepper halves with the mixture, place in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake 10 more minutes.
6. Cheeseburger Casserole
Description:
A cheesy, baked pasta dish with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown chop meat with onion. Drain fat.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and seasonings.
- Combine with cooked pasta and half the cheese.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
7. Ground Beef Chili
Description:
A hearty, flavorful chili loaded with beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown chop meat with onion and garlic in a large pot.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, and spices.
- Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream, or cornbread.
8. Beef and Egg Breakfast Scramble
Description:
A savory protein-packed scramble with eggs, seasoned beef, and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb chop meat
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook chop meat with onion and peppers in a skillet. Drain fat.
- Whisk eggs and pour over beef mixture.
- Stir and scramble until eggs are cooked.
- Top with cheese if desired.
9. Beef Empanadas
Description:
Crispy pastry pockets filled with seasoned beef—great for snacks or meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust or empanada dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Cook chop meat with onion and spices. Let cool slightly.
- Cut dough into circles, spoon filling onto each.
- Fold and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
10. Korean Beef Bowls
Description:
A sweet and savory beef dish served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chop meat
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Cooked rice, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Cook chop meat and garlic in a skillet until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.