12 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
Ground beef is the hardest working ingredient in my kitchen. It is affordable, cooks fast, and turns into so many different dinners: tacos on Monday, pasta on Tuesday, a cozy casserole on Wednesday. When I am staring at a pound of ground beef at 5 o’clock with no plan, these are the recipes I turn to. Every one of these ground beef recipes for dinner is family friendly, uses simple ingredients and is on the table in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Quick answer: Easy ground beef recipes for dinner include beef tacos, one pot cheeseburger pasta, Korean beef rice bowls, Salisbury steak, sloppy joes, stuffed peppers, beef and broccoli, shepherd’s pie, spaghetti with meat sauce, beef enchiladas, meatballs and Big Mac wraps. Most use 1 lb (450g) of ground beef to feed 4 people and take 30 minutes or less.
I also share my best tips for browning ground beef, storing leftovers and stretching a pound further. When you want a lighter cozy dinner, my creamy white chicken chili is another family favorite.
Why Ground Beef Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
- It cooks fast. Browned ground beef is ready in about 8 minutes.
- It is budget friendly. A pound feeds a family of four, and you can stretch it with beans, rice or veggies.
- It freezes well. Buy in bulk, portion and freeze.
- It goes with everything. Mexican, Italian, Asian or classic American flavors all work.
Choosing Ground Beef
In the UK, ground beef is called beef mince. Look for 15% to 20% fat for most of these recipes. If you want another cozy one-pot dinner, my easy one-pot lasagna soup is a great option for busy nights.
Pantry Staples for Ground Beef Dinners
- 1 to 2 lb (450 to 900g) ground beef
- Onions and garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste
- Taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin and paprika
- Soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger
- Pasta, rice and tortillas
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella
- Beef broth
- Frozen peas, corn and broccoli
12 Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
Each recipe serves about 4 and uses 1 lb (450g) of ground beef.
1. Easy Beef Tacos
Brown the beef with a diced onion, drain, then stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and ⅓ cup (80 ml) water. Simmer 5 minutes. Serve in shells with lettuce, cheese, tomato and sour cream. 20 minutes.
2. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Brown the beef with onion and garlic. Add 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce, 1 tsp paprika and 8 oz (225g) elbow pasta. Simmer, stirring, for 12 to 14 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir in 2 cups (225g) cheddar. Like homemade boxed pasta, but better. 25 minutes.
3. Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls
Brown the beef with garlic and ginger. Stir in ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil and a pinch of chili flakes. Simmer 3 minutes. Serve over rice with green onions, sesame seeds and steamed broccoli. 20 minutes.
4. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Mix the beef with ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, salt and pepper, and shape into 4 oval patties. Brown 4 minutes per side. Remove, then cook sliced mushrooms and onion in the pan. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and 1½ cups (360 ml) beef broth, return the patties and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes. 35 minutes.
5. Classic Sloppy Joes
Brown the beef with onion and green pepper. Stir in ¾ cup (180 ml) ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire and ¼ cup water. Simmer 10 minutes and spoon onto toasted buns. 25 minutes.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the browned beef with 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup (240 ml) marinara and ½ cup cheese. Fill 4 halved, seeded peppers, top with more cheese and bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10. 50 minutes.
7. Beef and Broccoli
Brown the beef, then add 3 cups broccoli florets and ¼ cup water, cover and steam 3 minutes. Stir in a sauce of ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger and 1 tsp cornstarch (cornflour). Simmer until glossy. Serve over rice. 20 minutes.
8. Easy Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)
Brown the beef with onion, carrots and peas. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tbsp flour and 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth and simmer 10 minutes. Spread in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. Made with beef, it is technically called cottage pie in the UK. 55 minutes.
9. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Brown the beef with onion and garlic, stir in 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar. Simmer 20 minutes and serve over spaghetti with Parmesan. 35 minutes.
10. Beef Enchiladas
Mix the browned beef with 1 cup black beans and 1 cup cheese. Roll into 8 tortillas, place in a dish, cover with 2 cups (480 ml) enchilada sauce and more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. 40 minutes.
11. Easy Oven Meatballs
Mix the beef with ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, ¼ cup Parmesan, garlic, salt and Italian seasoning. Roll into 16 balls and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. Simmer in marinara, or serve with gravy over mashed potatoes. 30 minutes.
12. Big Mac Wraps
Seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, pickles and a tangy special sauce, rolled in a tortilla and toasted with sesame seeds. My family’s favorite fakeaway night. 20 minutes.
How to Brown Ground Beef Perfectly?
- Use a hot pan. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat before adding the beef.
- Do not crowd it. For 2 lb or more, brown it in batches.
- Leave it alone at first. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to get a brown crust before breaking it up.
- Break it up. Use a sturdy spatula or a meat chopper to make small crumbles.
- Season after browning. Salt draws out moisture, so add it once the beef is browned.
- Drain extra fat. Tilt the pan and spoon it out, or drain through a colander. Never pour fat down the sink.
Ground beef is safely cooked at 160°F (71°C), with no pink left.
My Tips for Stretching a Pound of Beef
- Add a can of drained black beans, lentils or chickpeas.
- Mix in finely chopped mushrooms, which taste meaty and blend right in.
- Bulk up with rice, pasta or extra vegetables.
- Serve with plenty of sides like salad, bread or roasted potatoes.
How to Store Ground Beef Dinners?
Fridge: Most cooked ground beef dishes keep for 3 to 4 days in sealed containers.
Freezer: Taco meat, meat sauce, meatballs, sloppy joe filling and shepherd’s pie freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Raw ground beef: Use within 1 to 2 days of buying, or freeze it flat in freezer bags for up to 4 months.
Ground Beef Dinner FAQs
What can I make with ground beef for dinner tonight?
Tacos, cheeseburger pasta, sloppy joes, Korean beef bowls and beef and broccoli all take 30 minutes or less.
How much ground beef per person?
Plan on about ¼ lb (115g) of raw ground beef per person for most dinners.
Should I drain ground beef?
Yes, for most recipes, especially with 80/20 or 85/15 beef. Lean beef may not need draining.
Can I cook frozen ground beef without thawing?
Yes. Cook it in a covered skillet over medium heat, scraping off the browned layer as it thaws, until fully cooked through. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the healthiest way to eat ground beef?
Choose 90/10 or leaner, drain the fat, and serve it with lots of vegetables, beans or whole grains.
Final Thoughts
With a pound of ground beef in the fridge, dinner is never far away. Pick two or three of these recipes for this week, and keep this list handy for those nights when you need a quick, filling meal the whole family will eat. For another easy one-pan dinner, try my creamy marry me chicken when you want something a little different.
