Looking for simple and budget-friendly meal ideas to make with ground beef? These 75 easy ground beef recipes are perfect for family dinners on busy weeknights.
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Ground beef is the perfect solution when you need something quick, easy, and affordable for dinner. This time of year can get crazy busy with the kids back in school and the holidays quickly approaching. So, preparing fast, kid-friendly meal ideas for those busy weeknights can be a huge time saver in the kitchen.
More easy meal ideas:
- 85 Easy Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas – Cheap and kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Best 20-Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights– Easy dinners that take less than 20 minutes, perfect when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Ultimate List of 200+ Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas– Make meal planning super easy with this list of over 2oo recipes the whole family will love.
- 58 Best Beef Recipes for Family Dinners- Simple beef recipes that are so delicious they will please the pickiest of eaters.
How long does ground beef last?
Ground beef that is raw can last 2-3 days in the fridge before it needs to be cooked otherwise, you will need to freeze it. Refer to the use-by date on the ground beef package.
After the ground beef is cooked and reaches a temperature of 160º F, it can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
How to freeze ground beef
Buying ground beef in bulk is a great way to save money on your groceries, especially if you plan out your meals. I use a monthly meal plan, and purchasing large packages of ground beef to separate and freeze into smaller packages for multiple meals helps us stretch our grocery budget every month.
Related:
- A Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning – Learn how to meal plan so you are always prepared when dinnertime rolls around.
- 20 Easy Theme Night Dinner Ideas- to make meal planning quick and easy to save you time in the kitchen.
- Free Family Favorite Meals Printable– to write down all of your must-have family recipes to make planning your weekly dinners a breeze.
You can freeze your ground beef by separating it into 1lb. packages and placing them into Ziploc quart-size freezer bags. I like to flatten the ground beef so it’s easier to stack in my freezer.
Ground beef should last for about 3-4 months in your freezer before it needs to be used up. Once you are ready to use it, you can defrost it in the microwave or take it out the day before and place it in the refrigerator.
Looking for more ways to save on groceries:
- 30 Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries
- 15 Supermarket Spending Traps to Avoid
- 27 Frugal Meal Ideas When Money is Tight
How to Cook Ground Beef
Ground beef is so easy to cook up. Just add thawed ground beef to a frying pan or cast-iron skillet, season, add onions if desired, then use a hamburger chopper to break up the ground beef while cooking. Cook the ground beef until brown or cooked through.
Here are some hearty and delicious ground beef recipes that you can enjoy on your stovetop, in your oven, slow cooker, instant pot, air fryer, and griddle. Enjoy!
75 Easy & Cheap Ground Beef Recipes
Family Favorites
Family Favorites that are requested time and time again. They are the perfect meals for picky eaters and include tacos, burgers, and meatball subs.
Tacos
Tacos are a huge crowd favorite and are requested in my household week after week. The best part about tacos is that they come in so many variations. You can enjoy them in hard shells, softshells, taco boats, on tortilla chips, as a taco salad, or in a nacho casserole.
Simply brown ground beef in a skillet, adding this homemade taco seasoning (Gimme Some Oven) while cooking, then choose an option above and top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, along with any other topping you like.
Need a quick dinner on the go? Try these Walking Tacos from Eating on a Dime. It’s an easy option the kids will love.
Burritos
Burritos are another Tex-Mex Favorite, plus they are so easy to make. All you need is a pound of cooked ground beef. Then, add beans, onions (optional), and cheese. Roll up in a flour burrito-sized shell and microwave for about 20-30 seconds to melt the cheese and warm the tortilla shell. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Taco Pizza
Taco and Pizza combined are like a match made in heaven. A crispy pizza crust with all your favorite taco toppings. This Taco Pizza Recipe from the Girl Who Ate Everything is a must-try on your next Taco Tuesday night.
Taco Bowls- The Cookin’ Chicks
Looking for a quick and frugal dinner idea? These Easy Taco Bowls are delicious, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy school nights.
Ground Beef Quesadillas– On My Kid’s Plate
You will love these cheesy ground beef quesadillas that combine savory seasoned ground beef, corn, and cheese all toasted between layers of golden brown tortilla. A delicious kid-approved recipe when you need dinner on the table fast.
Taco Cups- Real Life Nutritionist
When you are looking for a fun and easy way to make tacos, try these delicious taco cups, packed with protein and fiber for a quick and nutritious dinner idea on hectic school nights.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs
This delicious pasta dish is our go-to for a quick and easy weeknight dinner at home. Most people can’t resist spaghetti and meatballs, which is why it’s not only a family favorite but also perfect to serve when you have guests coming over since it’s so budget-friendly.
Start by boiling your pasta, and then prepare your meatballs:
Simple Meatball Recipe
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
- package of onion soup mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- a sprinkle of salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking pan with aluminum foil (for easy clean-up). Then, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more milk to moisten it. Shape the mixture into even-sized meatballs. You should be able to get 20 meatballs on your baking pan, evenly spaced out. Bake for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in the center.
Drain and rinse the pasta and heat your favorite homemade marinara sauce, or use jarred spaghetti sauce if you prefer. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to your sauce and then serve over pasta. Enjoy with a side salad and garlic bread.
Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are the perfect way to use up leftover meatballs from your spaghetti and meatball dinner. Just add your meatballs (recipe above) and sauce to a sub roll and top with mozzarella cheese. Then, place in the oven under the broiler for a minute or two until cheese is melted.
Sloppy Joes
As you know, sloppy joes can be as easy as adding a jar of sloppy joe sauce to cooked ground beef and serving it on a hamburger bun to get dinner on the table fast. However, if you are looking for something homemade that can be just as quick and tastes even better, we love this sloppy joe recipe from Five Heart Home
Mexican Sloppy Joes– Cinnamon & Sage Co.
A delicious spin on traditional sloppy joes, these Mexican sloppy joes combine chili seasoning and salsa for a fun twist on a classic recipe. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Michigan Hot Dogs
We live in upstate New York, so Michigan hot dogs are a staple around here. Honestly, summer doesn’t feel complete unless we’ve had a Michigan (or two). Luckily, this tasty treat can be enjoyed all year long.
If you’ve never heard of a Michigan hot dog, it’s usually a red (Glazier) hot dog with a meaty sauce on top. This summer, I attempted to make Michigan Sauce (Home in the Finger Lakes) in the slow cooker, and it received a thumbs up from everyone in my family. I will definitely be making it again.
Meatloaf
Nothing says classic and comfort like meatloaf. It’s the perfect Sunday family dinner. Add in some mashed potatoes and veggies, and you have a hearty and delicious meal.
Easy Onion soup Meatloaf with a Tangy Bacon Glaze
- 2 1bs of ground beef
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 3-4 slices of bread torn up into small pieces
- 1 egg
- Package of onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Tangy Bacon Glaze
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1 tsp of ground mustard (or I have used yellow mustard if that is all I have)
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 package of real cooked bacon pieces (this is usually located near the bacon bits in the grocery store), or you can use 1/4 cup of cooked bacon chopped up.
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl and then spread the mixture in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for 1 hr or until no longer pink in the center. While the meatloaf is baking, combine the glaze ingredients and spoon over the top of your meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Mini Meatloaf on a Sheet Pan- Recipes From Leftovers
Make this quick and easy mini meatloaf recipe on a sheet pan using leftovers. It’s perfect not only for family dinners but also for meal prep and freezer meals.
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf- Ground Beef Recipes
Looking for another option for meatloaf that uses Ritz crackers? Try this Ritz Cracker Meatloaf. It’s moist and delicious, thanks to the addition of sauteed onions and peppers, buttery cracker crumbs, and seasonings.
Burgers
When it comes to family favorites, burgers are always at the top of the list. But, since most people know how to make a classic hamburger, I thought I would share some easy ways that you can jazz up your burgers for your next family barbecue.
- Beef Burgers with Bacon, Horseradish Mayo & Fried Onions (Salt and Lavender)
- Smash Burgers ( The Cookie Rookie)
- BBQ Meatloaf Burger (The Cozy Apron)
- Pepperoni Pizza Burger (Oh, Sweet Basil)
- Patty Melt(Amanda Cooks & Styles)
Hamburgers in the Oven- Fantabulosity
Learn how to cook hamburgers in the oven with this delicious “melt-in-your-mouth” burger recipe that you will want to make over and over. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal when you are craving burgers.
Ground Beef Skillet Recipes
Whether you’re cooking your ground beef in one pot, pan, or skillet, these easy recipes are the perfect way to use up your ground beef when you need dinner on the table fast.
Salisbury Steak
Similar to meatloaf but shaped into patties, this delicious and hearty dinner is perfect to throw together during the week. Add in some garlic mashed potatoes and veggies for a comforting weeknight meal. This Salisbury steak recipe from Recipe Tin Eats is so tasty, your family is sure to fall in love with it.
Philly Sloppy Joes
My family loves this recipe. If you are a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, these sloppy joes are the next best thing. They are loaded with flavor and so easy to put together. Try this recipe by Six Sisters Stuff, you won’t be disappointed.
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet– Binky’s Culinary Carnival
This Mexican beef and rice skillet only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Plus, since it’s only cooked in one pan, there is minimal clean-up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner idea.
Meatball Stroganoff
Meatball Stroganoff is one of my favorite ways to use ground beef. The flavors are delicious, and it’s so easy to make. All you need to do is boil a package of egg noodles in a pot and while they are cooking prepare meatballs (* see recipe above). Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to drained egg noodles with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and about 1/2 cup of milk. Season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until warmed.
Ground Beef Stroganoff– Little Sunny Kitchen
Easy ground beef stroganoff is a creamy and delicious comfort food dish made with hamburger, onion, mushrooms, and sour cream and served over soft egg noodles.
Ground Beef Noodle Stir-Fry
Are you looking for an easy stir fry that can be made quickly and tastes delicious? This Ground Beef Noodle Stirfry (Damn Delicious) is not only tasty but simple to prepare.
Ground Beef Stir Fry– Get Inspired Everyday
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is the perfect healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy! Plus, it’s budget-friendly & gluten-free.
Teriyaki Beef Bowls with Ground Beef– Sugar & Snap Peas
These teriyaki beef bowls are made in just 20 minutes using store-bought teriyaki sauce. They are perfect for meal prep or for a quick family dinner on busy nights.
Ground Beef and Broccoli- Wholesome Made Easy
This Ground Beef and Broccoli is an easier version of the popular take-out dish. Packed with flavor, this stir fry sauce is quick to make for a simple weeknight dinner idea.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl– I Heart Naptime
This Korean ground beef bowl is an easy ground beef recipe with a delicious sauce served over rice. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet– A Cedar Spoon
You will love this Mediterranean ground beef zucchini skillet. It combines Lebanese spiced ground beef with zucchini noodles, fresh diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a tasty dinner everyone will enjoy.
Looking for more simple one-pot dinners?
Pasta Dishes to Make with Ground Beef
Pasta dishes are the best go-to family dinners that are not only frugal but can be thrown together in no time. Here are some of our favorite ground beef pasta dishes.
Skillet Lasagna
Skillet lasagna is the perfect solution when you don’t have time for traditional lasagna. It has all the delicious flavors but without all the work. Try this recipe from The House of Yumm. It can all be made in one pot and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Pizza Pasta Bake
Like most people, pizza is one of my favorite meals, so the fact that it’s combined with pasta (another favorite) makes this a must-have dinner in our home, and I’m positive your family will love it too.
It’s so easy to make. Start by boiling one box of penne pasta. While the pasta is cooking, brown 1lb of ground beef in a skillet. Once the pasta and ground beef are done, drain them and combine in a large bowl with a jar of spaghetti sauce, 1/2 package of sliced pepperoni, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Pour into a 13×9 baking dish and top with another 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of parmesan, and the remaining package of pepperoni. Sprinkle Italian Seasoning on the top and then bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Serve with a side salad and Italian bread.
Cheeseburger Pasta
Who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger now and then? Combine it with pasta, and you have a winning combination. We love this delicious Cheeseburger Pasta recipe from Dinner at the Zoo. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that even my picky eaters enjoy.
Cheeseburger Macaroni- Cook Dinner Tonight
This one-pot cheeseburger macaroni recipe is a super cheesy and delicious dinner idea that can be made in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy school nights.
Spicy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce– Sungrown Kitchen
This spicy rigatoni with meat sauce is a delicious and simple dish with a little kick of spice that can be enjoyed in just 35 minutes.
American Goulash- The Forked Spoon
American Goulash is a simple, one-pot, comfort food recipe made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Perfect for a quick family dinner on busy nights.
Hamburger Helper- 100 Days of Real Food
This homemade hamburger helper recipe is classic, savory, and full of flavor. Ideal for a quick, easy, and affordable family dinner.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Pasta– Crayons + Cravings
Cheesy beef enchilada pasta combines macaroni, seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce for a simple and quick pasta dinner packed with enchilada flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Ground Beef Casseroles
Ground beef casserole recipes are the best option for those chilly fall days. I love having casseroles on Sundays; I plan them into our theme night dinners. They make a perfect comforting dinner that satisfies everyone in the family.
Enchiladas
These are quick to prepare but also easy and delicious. Brown your ground beef, add to tortilla shells with shredded cheddar cheese, roll up, and place in a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Top with enchilada sauce. We like the flavor of Old El Paso, but you can always make homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer. Add more shredded cheese to the top and then bake at 350° for 30 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Beef Enchilada Casserole– Small Town Woman
Looking for an easy homemade beef enchilada recipe? This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a family-friendly casserole packed with hearty, wholesome ingredients that is affordable and delicious.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is classic comfort at its finest. The best part is that it’s frugal and easy to make. This recipe by The Wholesome Dish will have your family asking for seconds.
Cabbage Rolls
Making cabbage rolls when the weather starts to cool down in September is a fall tradition in my household. This cabbage roll recipe from Spend with Pennies is super delicious and so easy to make.
Stuffed Peppers
We don’t have stuffed peppers nearly as often as we should. They are such a hearty and satisfying meal that should be frequently added to any weekly meal plan. This easy recipe from Once Upon a Chef is not only tasty but a great option to serve when company comes over.
Healthy Stuffed Peppers- Lauren Fit Foodie
These healthy stuffed peppers with ground beef make the perfect budget-friendly weeknight dinner! Plus, you can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers– Organically Addison
These deconstructed stuffed peppers are hearty, savory, and delicious. Plus, this quick, healthy, and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Cowboy Casserole With Cornbread– Practically Homemade
A delicious ground beef filling is topped with quick cornbread topping and baked to make the ultimate cowboy casserole that everyone will love.
Tator Tot Casserole
Tator Tot Casserole is the go-to frugal dinner and hearty enough to feed a large family. This simple Tator Tot Casserole by The Salty Marshmellow should be a staple if you are looking for a budget-friendly, comforting casserole recipe.
Taco Casserole– I Heart Eating
This flavorful casserole is made with pantry staples and is perfect for an easy weeknight family dinner.
Hobo Casserole- The Cagle Diaries
A delicious hobo casserole that is easy to make with simple ingredients. You can make it over the campfire or in your kitchen for a delicious family meal.
Taco Rice Casserole- The Recipe Well
This easy Taco Rice Casserole is a cheesy, budget-friendly dish made with simple ingredients. Perfect for meal prep or the freezer, it’s a hearty pantry meal the whole family will love.
Sloppy Joe Casserole– Tessie’s Table
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines savory ground beef, tangy ketchup, and sweet brown sugar, all topped with a golden, fluffy cornbread layer.
Frito Taco Casserole– Well Fed Baker
This hearty one-pan Frito taco casserole is filled with taco chili flavor and tons of crunchy corn chips for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ground Beef Rice with Zucchini Casserole– Thermo Cookery
Enjoy this ground beef rice with zucchini, a great recipe for family and friends. Cheesy and creamy, this weeknight dinner is simple to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Cheesy Spinach and Beef Casserole– The Dinner Bell
A cozy ground beef and spinach recipe with rice and melty jack cheese. A delicious casserole perfect to enjoy any time of the year.
More casserole recipes you may like:10 Easy and Hearty Chicken Casserole Recipes
Soups and Stews with Ground Beef
Who doesn’t love a good, hot bowl of soup on a cold day? These ground beef soup recipes are hearty and satisfying.
Hamburger Soup– Trop Rockin’
Hamburger Soup is an easy-to-make and comforting meal that’s great for busy days. Made with ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s an all-in-one pot recipe.
Taco Soup
There is nothing better than a warm bowl of Taco soup on a chilly fall day. This Taco Soup Recipe (Cooking Classy) is a crowd-pleaser.
Mexican Taco Soup with Black Beans– Athlete Lunchbox
This ground beef taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, loaded with tender beef mince, black beans, and a blend of homemade Mexican seasoning.
Tomato Macaroni Soup
Tomato macaroni soup is my family’s go-to soup when the weather starts to turn cold. My family loves this recipe from Lil’ Luna, I’m sure yours will too.
Chili
Chili is not only warm and comforting, but it can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can use white beans, kidney beans, or no beans at all. We prefer making our chili without beans and topping it with shredded cheddar cheese and a spoon full of sour cream on top. We use tortilla chips to eat it and serve cornbread on the side.
Homemade Ground Beef Chili– From Valerie’s Kitchen
This homemade Ground Beef Chili is loaded with classic flavor. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Hamburger Stew- Kelly Neil
A hearty hamburger stew made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich and flavorful gravy that can be ready in one hour.
Related: 30 Cozy and Delicious Soup Recipes
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Meals
Slow cookers are a busy mom’s best friend. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and you don’t even have to worry about dinner until everyone is ready to sit down at the table. These ground beef slow cooker recipes can be enjoyed during the cold winter months or even on a hot July day when you don’t feel like cooking.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These sweet and sour meatballs (Jo Cooks) are perfect served over rice for an easy and tasty weeknight dinner.
Cabbage Roll Soup
This slow cooker cabbage roll soup recipe from My Organized Chaos lets you enjoy all the wonderful flavors of cabbage rolls without all the work that goes into them.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes- Sweet and Savory Meals
Slow cooker sloppy joes is a new take on the classic, making them effortlessly in the crockpot for the perfect weeknight dinner idea.
Slow Cooker Rotel Tacos- Maria’s Mixing Bowl
These Slow Cooker Rotel Tacos are packed with tender ground beef, cheese, and a hint of spice. It’s a meal the whole family will love.
Looking for more easy crockpot meals?
- 30 Days of Dump-and-Go Crockpot Meals
- 42 Kid-Approved Crockpot Dinners
- 18 Best 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner Recipes
- 20 Dump-and-Go Crockpot Soup Recipes
Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipes
Ground beef dishes in my instant pot are some of my favorite recipes. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights at home when you need dinner on the table in a hurry. The best part about these recipes is that they are literally one-pot meals, so there are no extra dirty dishes to deal with from preparation.
Instant Pot Goulash
This Instant Pot Goulash (I Don’t Have Time for That) is one of the first recipes that I made in my Instant Pot and has quickly become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Taco Pie
An easy and delicious dinner to make in your Instant Pot, this recipe by Simply Happy Foodie will be one you make again and again for your family.
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper- Budget Delicious
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is an affordable recipe that’s easy to make at home in under 30 minutes. No box mix needed.
You may like: 25 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for the Beginner- simple and quick instant pot recipes that will make cooking dinner a breeze.
Air Fryer Recipes with Ground Beef
I love cooking in my air fryer, and I have had so much fun trying out new recipes lately. These air fryer ground beef recipes are a few of our favorites.
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
This air fryer cheeseburger recipe(Stay Snatched), came in handy this summer as my son doesn’t like the taste of burgers on the grill. So, anytime we had burgers, I would just toss some ground beef patties in the air fryer, and he was able to enjoy burgers with the rest of us.
Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
These air fryer Philly cheesesteak egg rolls (Hungry Girl) are filled with everything you love in a Philly cheesesteak but without all the extra fat that cheesesteaks traditionally have.
Air Fryer Chili Nachos– Recipes From a Pantry
Air Fryer Nachos with Chili is a delicious dish made with pantry staples and cooks in less than 5 minutes with minimal prep work.
You May Also Like:
- 25 Must-Have Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners- easy recipes and helpful tips for using your air fryer.
- 20 Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes– you can find simple and healthy recipes that go beyond cooking prepackaged frozen foods.
Ground Beef Griddle Recipes
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles- The Flat Top King
Looking for new Asian Blackstone recipes? Make these delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles on the griddle or in a skillet in about 20 minutes!
Looking for more easy Blackstone recipes?
There you go, 75 quick and easy ground beef recipes that are frugal and delicious. Hopefully, they provide you with a little inspiration the next time you sit down to make your meal plan.
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