If there’s one ingredient I always keep stocked in my fridge or freezer, it’s ground beef. It’s the ultimate kitchen hero, affordable, versatile, and packed with flavor. One pound can magically become a rich pasta sauce, juicy burgers, sizzling stir-fries, or even a cozy casserole that tastes like it took hours (but didn’t). Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, these 10 ground beef recipes will make weeknight cooking exciting again.
From quick 30-minute meals to slow-simmered comfort food, healthy twists to indulgent favorites, each recipe is designed to be easy enough for busy nights but tasty enough to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. So grab that skillet, turn up some music, and let’s get cooking!
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Nothing beats the smell of a big pot of Bolognese sauce bubbling away on the stove. The ground beef turns rich and tender as it simmers in a savory tomato sauce kissed with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. Tossed over al dente spaghetti, it’s a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with sauce. Serve with Parmesan.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Think cheesy, beefy, and bubbling hot out of the oven, this casserole is pure comfort. The ground beef mixes with tender rice, melty cheddar, and a creamy tomato base for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet, drain excess fat.
- Stir in rice, broth, tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and bake uncovered until melted.
Beef Taco Skillet
All the zesty flavors of taco night without the pile of dishes. This one-pan wonder has seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and cheese, served straight from the skillet with tortilla chips for dipping or wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmer 2 minutes.
- Add black beans and corn, cook until heated through.
- Sprinkle with cheese, cover until melted. Garnish and serve.
Greek-Style Beef Pitas
Juicy, seasoned ground beef tucked into fluffy pita bread with cool tzatziki, crisp cucumbers, and fresh tomatoes. It’s a Mediterranean street-food vibe that’s light yet satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomato
Instructions:
- Cook beef with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Warm pitas in the oven or microwave.
- Fill with beef, top with cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki.
Korean Beef Bowls
Fast, flavorful, and addictive. Ground beef gets a sweet and savory glaze of soy, ginger, and garlic, then is piled over fluffy rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook beef in a skillet until browned, drain fat.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.
Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry
A colorful, nutrient-packed dinner in under 30 minutes. Ground beef pairs perfectly with crisp veggies and a tangy soy-ginger sauce for a healthy yet hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a wok or skillet, drain fat.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger.
- Mix cornstarch slurry, stir in, and cook until sauce thickens.
Sloppy Joes
Messy in the best way, these sweet and tangy sandwiches are a nostalgic favorite. Ground beef in a saucy tomato-ketchup mix served on soft buns will win over kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Cook beef with onion until browned, drain fat.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5 minutes. Serve on buns.
Beef and Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Creamy mashed potatoes blanket a savory ground beef filling with veggies in a rich gravy, then it’s baked until golden and bubbling. It’s comfort food royalty.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook beef and onion until browned.
- Stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Add broth, simmer until thickened.
- Stir in vegetables, season with salt and pepper.
- Spread into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers become edible bowls for a savory beef, rice, and tomato filling topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds scooped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat.
- Stir in rice, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff peppers with mixture, top with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Cheeseburger Soup
All the flavors of a cheeseburger, beef, cheese, and even potatoes, in a cozy, creamy soup. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for dunking crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook beef and onion in a large pot until browned.
- Stir in potatoes and broth, simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mix flour with milk, stir into soup, and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar until melted.
Ground beef is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something incredible. You just need a little creativity and a good recipe. Whether you’re craving cheesy, hearty comfort food or something fresh and quick, these dishes will keep your dinner table exciting.
Pick your favorite, give it a try, and don’t forget to share this list with your fellow food lovers. Because let’s be honest, good food is even better when it’s shared.