13 Easy Ground Beef Dinners That’ll Save Your Weeknights!

If there’s one ingredient that deserves a medal for saving busy weeknights, it’s ground beef. It’s affordable, cooks quickly, and is incredibly versatile – plus, it’s usually something everyone in the family will actually eat! Whether you’ve got picky eaters, a tight budget, or just need dinner on the table fast, ground beef has got your back.

But let’s be honest – it’s way too easy to fall into a rut and make the same tacos or spaghetti week after week. I’m totally guilty of this! The good news? There are SO many delicious and creative ways to use ground beef that go beyond the usual suspects. From hearty casseroles to flavorful skillet meals, comforting soups to fun handheld options, these recipes will breathe new life into your dinner rotation.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 13 of my absolute favorite easy ground beef dinners that my family loves. These are tried-and-true recipes that come together quickly, use simple ingredients you probably already have, and deliver big on flavor. Let’s dive in and shake up your meal plan!

1. Classic Beef Tacos

You can’t beat the simplicity and crowd-pleasing power of beef tacos! Seasoned ground beef tucked into crispy or soft shells with all your favorite toppings – it’s a weeknight winner that never gets old. This is my go-to when I need something fast that I know everyone will devour.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1/2 cup water
• 8-12 taco shells (hard or soft)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Warm taco shells according to package directions.
4. Fill shells with seasoned beef and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy!

2. Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

This one-dish wonder combines ground beef, rice, and loads of melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and makes fantastic leftovers – if there are any! My kids ask for this one constantly.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion until beef is cooked through. Drain fat and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.

3. Beef Stroganoff

This creamy, savory dish is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender ground beef in a rich mushroom sauce served over egg noodles – it’s restaurant-quality food that you can make at home in under 30 minutes!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
5. Return beef to skillet, add paprika, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
6. Serve over egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

4. Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, then topped with melted cheese. These are not only delicious but look so impressive on the dinner table! Plus, they’re a complete meal in one neat package.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
3. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

5. Homemade Sloppy Joes

A nostalgic favorite that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying. These messy sandwiches are perfect for casual family dinners, and kids absolutely love them! Serve with chips and pickles for the full experience.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper until beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and water. Stir well to combine.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon generous amounts onto hamburger buns and serve immediately. Have plenty of napkins ready!

6. Beef and Bean Chili

A hearty, warming chili that’s perfect for cool evenings or game day gatherings. This recipe makes a big batch, so it’s great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week. Top with all your favorite fixings!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
3. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top.

7. Beef Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with seasoned ground beef – these quesadillas are a fun twist on taco night! They’re quick to make and perfect for cutting into wedges as an appetizer or serving as a main dish with rice and beans.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional: diced jalapeños, black beans

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain fat and add taco seasoning according to package directions. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with a little oil.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread 1/4 of the cheese on half of the tortilla, top with 1/4 of the beef mixture, then fold tortilla in half.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy and cheese is melted.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

8. Hamburger Helper Upgrade (Homemade Style)

Why buy the box when you can make it from scratch just as easily? This homemade version is creamier, more flavorful, and uses real ingredients. Plus, you can customize it however you like!

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large deep skillet or pot, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
2. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add beef broth, milk, uncooked macaroni, and paprika. Stir well.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

9. Korean Beef Bowl

These bowls are sweet, savory, and have just a little kick – they taste like takeout but cost a fraction of the price! Serve over rice with some steamed veggies for a restaurant-quality meal at home. This one’s always a hit!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Optional: shredded carrots, cucumber slices

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour sauce over cooked beef and stir well. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve beef over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add optional veggies if desired.

10. Shepherd’s Pie

This classic comfort food features seasoned ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug! Perfect for Sunday dinners or when you need something extra comforting.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lb potatoes)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion, carrots, and garlic. Drain excess fat.
3. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and peas. Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are golden and filling is bubbling around the edges.

11. Beef Enchiladas

Rolled tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef and cheese, smothered in enchilada sauce and baked to perfection. These are always a crowd-pleaser and taste even better the next day! Make a double batch and freeze one for later.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 12 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional: black beans, jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion. Drain fat and add taco seasoning according to package directions.
3. Warm tortillas to make them pliable. Fill each with beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly. Serve with sour cream and cilantro.

12. Beef Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into an amazing dinner with this quick and flavorful fried rice! It’s packed with ground beef, vegetables, and scrambled eggs – a complete meal in one pan. I love making this when I need to clean out the fridge!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Scramble eggs until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Add 1 tbsp oil and brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil and stir-fry garlic and mixed vegetables for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice starts to crisp.
5. Return beef and eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together for 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

13. Taco Pasta

The best of both worlds – taco flavors meet creamy pasta in this easy one-pot meal! It’s like a Tex-Mex twist on mac and cheese, and it’s dangerously addictive. This is the recipe my family requests most often!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb pasta shells or rotini
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced jalapeños and cilantro for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
3. Add uncooked pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Mix until cheese is melted and everything is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Top with jalapeños and cilantro before serving.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 13 easy ground beef dinners that will transform your weeknight meal routine! From classic comfort foods to exciting international flavors, these recipes prove that ground beef is anything but boring. Each one is budget-friendly, family-approved, and simple enough for even the busiest nights.

What I love most about these recipes is their versatility. You can easily adapt them based on what you have in your pantry, swap in different vegetables, adjust spice levels for picky eaters, or make them ahead for meal prep. Ground beef is such a forgiving ingredient that welcomes creativity!

Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Do you have a favorite ground beef dinner that I didn’t include? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Sharing your cooking wins (and even your flops!) helps me create more recipes that you’ll actually use and enjoy. Happy cooking, friends!