Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in any home cook’s pantry. Affordable, flavorful, and easy to work with, it forms the base for an array of comforting, quick, and crowd-pleasing dishes. Whether you’re whipping up quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights or looking to explore global-inspired flavors, ground beef has got you covered.
This post is your go-to guide for easy beef recipes that suit all tastes, including family meals and hearty comfort food classics. Plus, we’ll share some tips for cooking with ground beef to ensure delicious results every time.
Quick & Easy Weeknight Ground Beef Recipes
Searching for weeknight meals that come together in no time? These quick and simple recipes will save you effort while delivering big on flavor.
1. Classic Beef Tacos
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Taco shells
- Toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it’s evenly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat the meat evenly. Add the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet (usually about 2/3 cup) and mix well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors combine.
- Warm your taco shells according to package instructions, either in the oven or microwave, for a better texture. Spoon the seasoned meat into the shells and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Taco night just got easier! This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy evenings or feeding a family.
2. One-Pan Ground Beef Pasta
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together, then cover with a lid and let it simmer over medium-low heat. Cook until the pasta is tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until it melts and blends into the dish. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, cheesy one-pan meal!
A complete meal made in one pan – no extra dishes to wash!
3. Speedy Beef Stir-Fry
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy results.
- Add your choice of chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot over steamed rice or cooked noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
A quick, flavorful option for weeknight meals that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Comfort Food Ground Beef Recipes
When you’re in need of a hearty meal that warms both the stomach and the soul, these comfort food recipes have your back.
1. Hearty Beef Chili
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add in the beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chili seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve hot with a side of freshly baked cornbread or spoon it over a bed of warm rice for a hearty, comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
This chili is the ultimate in beef dishes – satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for family meals.
2. Shepherd’s Pie
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions
- B1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in your choice of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn) and a cup of beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like garlic powder or thyme for extra flavor.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully layer a generous amount of creamy mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and slightly crispy on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade shepherd’s pie!
A classic comfort food recipe that brings everyone to the table.
3. Beef Stroganoff
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. As it cooks, season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease if necessary, then pour in the beef broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for 3-4 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the sour cream, mixing thoroughly to ensure the sauce is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this could cause the sour cream to separate. Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, gently tossing and folding them into the sauce until every noodle is evenly coated. Let the noodles warm through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately while hot, and for an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your hearty and comforting dish!
Creamy, hearty, and delicious – this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Global-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
Spice up your dinners with these global-inspired ground beef recipes that bring new flavors to your table.
1. Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
- Serve over steamed rice with green onions.
A sweet and savory delight that’s guaranteed to impress.
2. Italian Meatballs
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg. You can also season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are well combined. Once the mixture is ready, shape it into evenly sized meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are firm but not overly packed to avoid dryness during cooking.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, and place the meatballs evenly spaced apart. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. The baking process ensures they are juicy while maintaining a crisp exterior.
- Once baked, carefully transfer the meatballs into a pot of warm marinara sauce simmering on the stove. Allow the meatballs to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. This step helps the meatballs absorb the rich flavors of the marinara. Serve the meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, on a toasted sub roll topped with melted cheese, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer or snack! Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley for the perfect finishing touch.
Great on their own or served over pasta, these meatballs are a timeless classic.
3. Mexican Empanadas
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Empanada dough
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onions. Cool slightly.
- Spoon filling into empanada dough, fold, and seal edges.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
A flaky, flavorful hand pie packed with beefy goodness.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef
To get the most out of your ground beef recipes, keep these tips in mind:
1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Pick your preferred level of fat content depending on the dish you’re preparing. Leaner beef, such as 90% lean, is ideal for recipes like sauces, soups, or casseroles where you want to avoid excess grease. On the other hand, ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80% lean, is perfect for dishes like burgers, meatballs, or tacos, as it enhances flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
2. Seasoning Ground Beef
Season your ground beef from the very beginning of cooking to build layers of flavor. Start with basics like salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, and then adjust based on the recipe you’re making. For example, add chili powder and cumin for a Tex-Mex kick, or oregano and parsley for an Italian touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs or spices to customize your dish!
3. Storing Ground Beef
Proper storage is key to keeping your ground beef fresh and safe to use. Store raw ground beef in the fridge for up to 1–2 days and always keep it in its original packaging or a sealed container to prevent contamination. If you’re not using it right away, freeze it in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label the packaging with the date to keep track of freshness. For cooked ground beef, refrigerate it in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, and it’ll keep for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before enjoying!
Bring Ground Beef to Your Table
Ground beef is a true kitchen hero. From quick weeknight meals to hearty comfort-food classics and global adventures, it’s an ingredient that can do it all.
Try these recipes out for yourself and share your favorites with family and friends. Hungry for even more recipe ideas? Check out our extensive recipe collection for more delicious, family-friendly beef dishes and cooking tips!