Ground beef is a great choice for a variety of meals, offering a blend of flavor and convenience. This post lists 13 ground beef recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and budget-friendly dinners.
Nutrition tip: Ground beef is a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. It helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, and provides energy.
1. Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: Lettuce (chopped), shredded cheese, tomatoes (chopped), red onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain fat.
- Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Stir and cook on medium-low heat until sauce thickens (3-5 minutes).
- Serve warm over tortillas with your choice of toppings.
2. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 500g ground beef
- 150g crème fraîche
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 100ml beef stock
- 1/2 small pack parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and cook until softened (5-7 mins). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add butter. When melted, add mushrooms and cook until softened (5 mins).
- Remove vegetables from the pan.
- Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned and drain any excess fat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Return vegetables to the pan. Stir in crème fraîche, mustard, and beef stock.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve over noodles or rice.
3. Italian Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix beef and egg in a bowl. Add bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Combine gently.
- Shape mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Heat marinara sauce in a pot over medium-low heat.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame seeds. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Garnish with green onion.
5. Beef Chilli
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 30 oz dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 28 oz tomato puree
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook until vegetables soften (about 7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add beef and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking up beef until no longer pink (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato puree, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover and simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream if desired.
6. Cottage Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 750g (1.5 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
- 1/4 cup (40g) flour
- 1/4 cup (55g) tomato paste
- 2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) red wine (or water)
- 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.2 kg (2.5 lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2/3 cup (165 ml) milk, warmed
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- Parmesan Crust (optional):
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 2 tbsp (20g) grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add carrots and celery; cook for 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to high. Add beef, cook until browned. Stir in flour and mix well.
- Add tomato paste, beef stock, red wine, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer on medium-high for 30 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer filling to a 6-cup pie dish. Cool if you have time (even overnight).
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook potatoes in boiling water for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain and return to pot. Allow to steam dry for 30 seconds.
- Add butter to potatoes, mash until smooth. Stir in milk and salt.
- Spread mashed potatoes over filling. Rough up surface with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan and drizzle with butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and edges are bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 15 oz (425g) can tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for desired consistency)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted (if desired)
Instructions
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop onion and green pepper.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce.
- Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables: Add chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the sauce mixture, bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add water if needed for a looser consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns.
8. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in bell pepper, tomato, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until pepper softens, about 5 minutes. Drain half of the liquid from the diced tomatoes and add it to the skillet.
- Season and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, minced onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer until some liquid reduces, about 10 minutes.
- Combine Rice: Mix in the cooked rice.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 45 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted.
9. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground chipotle chili pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp beef stock/broth (or water)
- 12 oz shredded cheese blend (about 3 cups; e.g., cheddar, Monterey Jack, pizza mozzarella)
- 6 flour tortillas (7-8 inches in diameter)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing pan)
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 200°F (93°C) to keep cooked quesadillas warm.
- Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add ground beef, chili powder, chipotle pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook until beef is browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and beef stock. Cook for 1-2 more minutes. Remove beef from the pan and drain excess grease if needed.
- Prepare Tortillas: Distribute 8 oz (2 cups) of cheese on one half of each tortilla. Top with ground beef and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Fold tortillas in half.
- Cook Quesadillas: Heat 2 tsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook quesadillas in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Keep Warm: Place cooked quesadillas on a sheet pan in the oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches.
- Serve: Cut each quesadilla in half and serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
10. Beef and Bean Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup tomato puree
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp coriander
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Cook Beef: Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Add tomato puree, refried beans, chopped onion, salt, chili powder, coriander, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Wrap: Fill tortillas with the beef mixture and add cheddar cheese, sour cream, black olives, avocado, and/or salsa as desired. Wrap and serve.
11. Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ½ Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ head green cabbage, shredded (about 4-6 cups)
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ Tbsp neutral cooking oil
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Prep Veggies: Shred cabbage, peel and shred carrots, slice green onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
- Cook Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Veggies: Stir in cabbage and carrots. Cook until cabbage is slightly wilted.
- Add Sauce: Pour the stir fry sauce over the mixture and add green onions. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and extra sriracha if desired. Serve hot.
12. Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice peppers in half from stem to base, removing seeds and membranes.
- Place peppers cut-side up in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.
- Roast for about 20 minutes, until slightly tender and browned.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with 1 tsp salt and baking soda. Let sit for 20 minutes.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add beef mixture, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook until beef is browned, 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beef is cooked through, 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in cooked rice and ¾ cup of cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Stuff Peppers:
- Remove peppers from the oven and spoon beef mixture into each pepper half.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until filling is hot and cheese is melted.
13. Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp minced pickled ginger
- 1 dash Asian chile pepper sauce (optional)
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2 tsp Asian (dark) sesame oil
Directions
- Prepare Lettuce:
- Rinse lettuce leaves and pat dry. Set aside.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer beef to a bowl.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until tender, 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, minced ginger, and chile pepper sauce (if using).
- Add water chestnuts, green onions, and cooked beef. Cook and stir until onions begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a large serving platter. Spoon beef mixture into the center.