If you’ve got a pound of ground beef in your fridge and you’re wondering how to transform it into a hearty, delicious meal, you’re in the right place. This collection of 50 recipes is about more than just tantalizing your taste buds—it’s about making the most out of your grocery budget.
We’re focusing on practical, affordable dishes that don’t require a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in to explore the magic you can create with one pound of ground beef or less!
Pasta and Rice Recipes
Easy Homemade Lasagna (with a Make-Ahead Freezer Option!)
The Easy Homemade Lasagna recipe offers a comforting and practical solution for busy days. It’s a family-friendly dish that can be made ahead and frozen, ensuring a delicious meal is always on hand. Perfect for those looking to manage time and budget effectively, this lasagna combines ground beef, lasagna noodles, cottage cheese, and a mix of cheeses. The flexibility to use different types of cheese and the option for oven-ready noodles adds a convenient and personalized touch to this classic favorite.
Greek Cheese and Beef Tortellini Skillet Recipe
The Greek Cheese and Beef Tortellini Skillet is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, infusing Mediterranean flavors into a hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a quick yet satisfying dinner option. Ground beef, cheese tortellini, and Greek-inspired seasonings bring a fusion of comforting and refreshingly different flavors. Ideal for a weeknight meal, it’s a practical choice for anyone looking to add some variety to their ground beef recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Skillet Baked Ziti
The One-Skillet Baked Ziti is perfect for a quick, delicious, practical dinner. This recipe is made in just one skillet, simplifying clean-up and preparation, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. It combines ground Italian sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and ziti pasta, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish balances heartiness and ease, ideal for families on a budget without sacrificing taste.
Fresh and Delicious Homemade Beef A Roni Recipe
The Fresh and Delicious Homemade Beef A Roni Recipe is a nostalgic and budget-friendly dish that brings back childhood memories. This easy-to-make recipe blends elbow macaroni, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and a mix of fresh herbs and cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal and practical for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s adaptable to your pantry staples, adding to its convenience and appeal.
Easy Spaghetti Pie
The Easy Spaghetti Pie is a creative and family-friendly dish that’s both delicious and convenient. This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a pie form, layering al dente pasta, hearty meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and offers a fun twist on traditional spaghetti. This dish is budget-friendly and a great way to please a crowd or make a meal that everyone will remember.
Spanish Rice with Ground Beef {30 Minute Meal}
The Spanish Rice with Ground Beef recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute meal, ideal for a busy weeknight. This hearty skillet meal blends ground beef with rice, spices, and vegetables, delivering a delicious fusion of flavors. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple yet satisfying dinner option that appeals to the whole family. This dish is cost-effective and versatile, allowing for various toppings to suit individual tastes.
American Chop Suey (New England Style)
The American Chop Suey (New England Style) is a heartwarming, classic dish that embodies comfort food. This easy 30-minute recipe combines ground beef, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, elbow macaroni, and a light tomato-based sauce made with tomato juice. It’s a perfect blend of flavors for a cozy winter meal, offering a nostalgic touch while being lighter than traditional pasta dishes. It is ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty yet straightforward to prepare.
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole
The Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole from Living Sweet Moments is a delightful, family-friendly, tasty, and convenient dish. It features ground beef cooked with mushrooms in a tomato basil sauce, mixed with cavatelli pasta, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. Additionally, it’s great for making in advance and freezing for later, ensuring a delicious dinner is always ready to go.
Sandwiches
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
The Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe from Simply Scrumptious Eats is a fun and creative twist on the classic sloppy joe. Inspired by the flavors of McDonald’s Big Mac, it incorporates a special sauce made from Thousand Island dressing and mayonnaise combined with ground beef, onions, and pickles. Served on sesame seed buns with cheddar cheese, this dish is a delightful homemade version of the fast-food favorite, perfect for a quick and enjoyable family meal.
Cheesy Italian Meatball Sub Dip
The Cheesy Italian Meatball Sub Dip is an inventive take on the classic meatball sub sandwich, transforming it into a delicious, dip-able appetizer. This recipe creatively combines the flavors of Italian meatballs and marinara sauce with the richness of melted cheese, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a unique snack. It’s a perfect blend of hearty meatball flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness, sure to be a hit at any event or family night.
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
The Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe from She’s Not Cookin’ is an innovative and delicious take on the classic Sloppy Joe. It uses Texas toast garlic bread as a base, adding a crunchy and flavorful twist. The recipe involves a savory mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and spices, topped with melted cheese, all served on toasted garlic bread. It’s a unique and satisfying meal perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together.
Mexican Recipes
Takis Taco Salad Recipe
The Takis Taco Salad Recipe is an exciting fusion of spicy and traditional flavors. It incorporates Takis rolled tortilla chips for a unique spicy kick, combined with typical taco salad ingredients like ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. The recipe is tied together with ranch dressing, creating a delightful balance of spicy and creamy flavors. It’s a creative and fun dish, perfect for those looking to spice up their salad game.
Tex-Mex Ground Beef Skillet
The Tex-Mex Ground Beef Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe features ground beef sautéed with onions, garlic, and green bell pepper, seasoned with oregano, cumin, and optional cayenne pepper. It’s all simmered in a tomato sauce with a hint of red wine vinegar, giving it a unique and tasty twist. Ideal for serving over rice, this dish is a great way to spice up your dinner routine.
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe is a unique and healthy twist on traditional tacos. This dish involves stuffing baked sweet potatoes with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and then topping them with your favorite taco fixings, like cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It’s a flavorful and nutritious option that combines the sweetness of the potatoes with the spicy taco filling, offering a delightful contrast in flavors. This recipe is ideal for those looking for a wholesome yet satisfying meal.
Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Gluten Free
The Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Gluten Free recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a busy day. Made in an Instant Pot, this recipe simplifies the cooking process, combining ground beef with various vegetables and spices for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. This dish is ideal for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal with a Mexican flair.
Doritos Walking Tacos
The Doritos Walking Tacos recipe from Midwexican is a fun and interactive dish that combines the crunchy texture of Doritos with the rich flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef. This customizable recipe allows you to choose your favorite taco toppings and assemble them in individual-sized bags of Doritos, making it delicious and a great conversation starter. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or a family-friendly meal where everyone can create their own unique taco experience.
Taco Soup (Easy 7 Can Recipe)
The Taco Soup (Easy 7 Can Recipe) is a wonderfully simple and hearty dish that combines a taco’s flavors in a comforting soup form. This recipe cleverly combines canned ingredients, including beans, corn, and tomatoes, along with ground beef and taco seasoning, to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s ideal for a warm, filling soup with minimal preparation and cooking time.
Easy Beef Enchiladas Recipe
The Easy Beef Enchiladas recipe is a classic Mexican dish that’s delicious and simple to prepare. This recipe involves rolling seasoned ground beef and cheese into tortillas, covering them with enchilada sauce and more cheese, and then baking to perfection. It’s an excellent option for a family dinner or when craving something hearty and flavorful. The combination of melted cheese, savory beef, and rich sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole Recipe
The Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole Recipe is a delightful one-pot meal that’s both easy to make and delicious. It combines lean ground beef, onions, fresh tomatoes, and corn with whole grain elbow macaroni, all seasoned with taco mix. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a family-friendly option, perfect for busy weeknights. Its ease of preparation and tasty results make it a great choice for a satisfying dinner.
Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells
The Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells recipe from Craving Some Creativity is a delightful blend of Mexican and Italian cuisines. This dish fills jumbo pasta shells with a tasty mixture of ground beef seasoned with taco spices, onions, and crushed tomatoes. After being arranged in a baking dish, the shells are covered in salsa and cheese and then baked until bubbly. It’s an ideal choice for a family supper, offering a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos.
Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
The Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe from Nutmeg Nanny offers a flavorsome and easy-to-make soup that captures the essence of stuffed peppers. This dish includes ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a mix of spices, creating a hearty and satisfying soup. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a comforting meal with the convenience of using an Instant Pot.
5 Ingredient Instant Pot Chili
The 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Chili from The Typical Mom is a quick and budget-friendly recipe for a hearty meal. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, all cooked together in an Instant Pot for a fast and flavorful chili. This dish is ideal for those looking for a warm, filling meal that’s easy to make and gentle on the wallet.
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
The Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe from Budget Delicious is a convenient and tasty twist on the classic comfort food. This version uses ground beef, Italian seasoning, cheese, and macaroni noodles, all prepared quickly in an Instant Pot. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both budget-friendly and easy to make, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
The Best Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
The Best Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe from The Oregon Dietitian offers a healthy and quick version of this classic dish. This recipe emphasizes natural flavors and healthy ingredients, made with fresh or frozen ground beef and packed with vegetables like carrots and green bell peppers. It’s a perfect option for a fast, nourishing dinner made in an Instant Pot, combining convenience with healthful eating.
Easy and Hearty Instant Pot Chili
The Easy and Hearty Instant Pot Chili recipe from Balance With Jess is a healthy and flavorsome twist on traditional chili. It includes lean ground beef, black and kidney beans, and various vegetables and spices. Cooked in an Instant Pot, it offers a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for cold days. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various toppings and substitutions to cater to different dietary needs.
Stews and Casseroles
One Pot Ground Beef Mushroom Stroganoff
The One Pot Ground Beef Mushroom Stroganoff recipe from Nutmeg Nanny is a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe features a creamy and savory mix of ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles, all in one pot for convenience. It offers a homemade twist on the traditional stroganoff, using fresh ingredients for a richer flavor.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie {Gluten Free Shepherd’s Pie}
The Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe from What a Girl Eats is a gluten-free version of the traditional English dish. It’s made with ground beef or lamb and features a layer of vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and cheese. This hearty and comforting meal is an excellent option for those seeking a gluten-free dinner that doesn’t compromise flavor or texture.
Mince and Tatties (Scottish Ground Beef Recipe)
The Mince and Tatties recipe is a traditional Scottish dish featuring ground beef (mince) cooked in a rich gravy, served with mashed or boiled potatoes (tatties). This comforting meal is perfect for colder weather and offers a satisfying experience. It’s a classic Scottish recipe that embodies simple yet delicious home cooking.
Cottage Pie
The Cottage Pie recipe is a classic British dish with ground beef, onions, and beef bouillon, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for freezing and baking later, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Spicy Moroccan Ground Beef and Potato Pie
The Spicy Moroccan Ground Beef and Potato Pie recipe is a unique and flavorful dish that combines ground beef and hash brown potatoes with a Moroccan-inspired spice blend. This pie is encased in a flaky crust, creating a perfect balance of savory meat and spices with the comforting texture of potatoes. It’s a creative take on traditional meat pies, offering a delightful blend of familiar and exotic flavors.
The Best John Wayne Casserole Recipe
The Best John Wayne Casserole Recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen is a unique, hearty, layered casserole. It features a base of buttery biscuits topped with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy mixture. This Tex-Mex-inspired dish is filling and perfect for a family dinner, offering a blend of meaty, vegetable, and cheesy flavors.
30-Minute Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
The 30-Minute Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole from Spice and Sugar Mama is a quick and comforting dish combining ground beef, mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and tater tots. This easy-to-prepare meal is topped with cheddar cheese and baked, creating a delicious and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner.
Beef Stroganoff – Quick & Easy!
The Beef Stroganoff recipe from Fantabulosity is a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features ground beef, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and a creamy sour cream sauce, promising a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe is an excellent choice for a classic stroganoff flavor with minimal effort.
Korean Meatballs
The Korean Meatballs recipe from Living Lou offers a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. Made with ground beef, these meatballs are seasoned with a blend of ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, and gochujang, giving them a distinctive Korean-inspired taste. Baked in the oven, they provide a healthy and delicious option for a meal or appetizer.
Beef and Vegetable Recipes
Lebanese Squash (Kousa) – Stuffed Yellow Squash
The Lebanese Squash (Kousa) recipe is a traditional dish that involves stuffing yellow squash with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. This dish is simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, melding the flavors together in a comforting and satisfying way. It’s an excellent choice for those trying a classic Middle Eastern dish.
Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls- Savory & Healthy Meat Filled Cabbage
Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a savory and healthy dish featuring cabbage leaves filled with a tasty mix of ground beef, rice, and Lebanese spices. These rolls are cooked in a fragrant tomato garlic sauce, offering a balance of tangy and meaty flavors. This dish is a great choice for those looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
The Mediterranean Zucchini Boats recipe is a delightful and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. These boats are stuffed with ground beef seasoned with herbs and spices and then garnished with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and pine nuts. They offer a light and fresh version of a low-carb favorite, combining Mediterranean flavors in a visually appealing and nutritious meal.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers – with Ground Beef
The Grilled Stuffed Peppers recipe from Sula and Spice is a flavorful dish perfect for summer grilling. It involves halving bell peppers and filling them with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasonings. The peppers are pre-grilled to soften before being stuffed, then grilled again to meld the flavors. This recipe offers a smoky, charred twist to the classic stuffed peppers, making it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry (Gluten Free)
The Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry (Gluten Free) recipe from Mary’s Whole Life is a quick and healthy meal, perfect for busy evenings. It features ground beef and broccoli with rice ramen noodles, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce. This gluten-free version of the classic beef and broccoli dish offers a tasty alternative to traditional takeout.
Ground Beef Stir Fry
The Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is an easy and versatile dish from The Cozy Cook, ideal for a quick and healthy meal. It combines ground beef with various fresh or frozen vegetables in a savory brown sauce. The recipe is adaptable to personal preferences, making it an excellent choice for a 30-minute dinner option.
Other Ground Beef Recipes
Hashweh (Lebanese Ground Beef Recipe)
The Hashweh (Lebanese Ground Beef Recipe) is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring ground beef cooked with rice, pine nuts, and various spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg. This savory dish is both flavorful and comforting, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Lebanese cuisine.
Simple Ground Beef Omelet – Filipino Tortang Giniling
The Simple Ground Beef Omelet, also known as Filipino Tortang Giniling, is a hearty and flavorful dish. It combines ground beef, potatoes, and eggs, making it a substantial and satisfying meal. This omelet is a staple in Filipino cuisine, known for its simplicity and delicious taste, perfect for any time of the day.
Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever
The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever from My Organized Chaos is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf. It incorporates Stove Top Stuffing mix for added flavor and texture. This recipe creates a tender and juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, making it an excellent choice for a hearty family meal.
Easy Chapli Kabab
The Easy Chapli Kabab recipe is a flavorful and gluten-free dish that brings a taste of South Asian cuisine. Made with minced beef and a blend of spices like cumin and garlic, these kababs are shaped into flat patties and fried. They can be served with naan or pitta bread alongside chutneys or dips, making them perfect for dinner or as a side dish.
30-Minute Dinner: Teriyaki Meatball Bowls
The 30-Minute Teriyaki Meatball Bowls recipe is a quick and flavorful meal option. It features homemade teriyaki sauce over gluten-free meatballs, served with rice and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of protein, veggies, and a delicious sauce, and it’s adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Sloppy Joe Pasties (aka Hand Pies)
The Sloppy Joe Pasties (aka Hand Pies) recipe from Scotch & Scones is a fun and unique way to enjoy the classic Sloppy Joe flavor. These hand pies are filled with a sweet, tangy, spicy meat mixture wrapped in a flaky pastry. They are an excellent option for a filling dinner or a portable meal.
5 Ingredient Meatballs
The 5 Ingredient Meatballs recipe is a simple and delicious option for a quick meal. These meatballs are baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice. Inspired by a classic Italian style, the recipe uses ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and garlic to create flavorful meatballs. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want a hearty meal without much fuss.
Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
The Chili Cheese Fries Recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish for parties or game days. It involves baking crispy French fries and topping them with smoky chili and a homemade, rich, melty cheese sauce. This appetizer or main dish is a crowd-pleaser and encapsulates comfort food at its best.
Bacon Egg Brooklyn Burger
The Bacon Egg Brooklyn Burger is a gourmet twist on the classic burger. It features a blend of ground beef and pork enriched with chopped cooked bacon, onion, and sundried tomato paste. This burger offers a unique combination of flavors and is topped with a chunk of Jarlsberg cheese. The recipe includes options for frying eggs and adding hot sauce-mayo and tomato slices for a customizable burger experience.
Bean and Beef in a Tikka Masala Sauce
The Bean and Beef in a Tikka Masala Sauce recipe is a flavorful fusion dish combining the richness of beef with the aromatic spices of Tikka Masala. This recipe offers a hearty and comforting meal with a blend of meat and beans, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors.
Final Thoughts on Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re making juicy burgers, tasty stir-fries, or classic meatloaves, these recipes will surely please everyone. And the best part? They don’t require hours in the kitchen!
So whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, these ground beef recipes are practical and delicious. And remember, the secret ingredient is always love and creativity.
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