Ground beef is like that one friend who fits in everywhere – burgers, tacos, casseroles, you name it! It’s budget-friendly, easy to cook, and ridiculously versatile.
You’ve probably stared at a pack of ground beef in your fridge, wondering, What the heck am I going to do with this tonight?
Well, worry no more because I’ve rounded up 13 delicious and super-easy dinner ideas that’ll make you look forward to dinnertime. Let’s get cooking (and maybe impress your taste buds a little)!
1. Cheeseburger Casserole
If you love cheeseburgers and pasta, this dish is the best of both worlds. Start by browning ground beef with diced onions and a little garlic.
Once cooked, mix in cooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Pro tip: Add pickles on the side for that full cheeseburger vibe.
2. Taco Night Made Right
Taco night is always a winner. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning (you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder) and let it get nice and flavorful.
Serve it up with crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas. Load your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Feeling fancy? Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra zing.
The best part? Everyone can customize their tacos just the way they like them!
3. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Who doesn’t love a little nostalgia? Sloppy Joes take us right back to childhood, but these sliders are a fun twist.
Brown your ground beef and mix it with ketchup, a bit of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mustard.
Let it simmer until thickened. Spoon the mixture onto small slider buns, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a slice of cheese on top. Serve with fries or a side salad to balance out the sweetness.
Warning: These are messy but oh-so-satisfying.
4. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Nothing beats a plate of spaghetti with a rich meat sauce on some nights. Start by cooking the ground beef with chopped onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Once it’s browned, add a jar of marinara sauce (or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious).
Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve overcooked spaghetti; don’t forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pair with garlic bread for a meal that’s pure comfort.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are as pretty as they are delicious. Slice off the tops of your bell peppers and remove the seeds.
In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions, garlic, and spices like paprika and oregano. Mix the meat with cooked rice, canned tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers, place them in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
The result? A colorful, flavorful meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.
6. Beefy Chili
Nothing warms you up like a hearty bowl of chili. Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic. Then add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and a little smoked paprika.
Let it simmer for at least an hour – the longer, the better.
Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips, and don’t forget the toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
It’s perfect for chilly nights or game-day gatherings.
7. Meatball Madness
Homemade meatballs are easier than you think and way better than store-bought. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, an egg, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Roll into balls and bake them at 400°F until cooked through. Toss the meatballs in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze some for later.
8. Beef and Rice Skillet
For a quick, one-pan dinner, this beef and rice skillet is a lifesaver. Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings.
Add uncooked rice, a can of diced tomatoes, and chicken or beef broth.
Let it all simmer together until the rice is tender. Throw in some frozen peas or corn for extra color and flavor. This dish is simple, and delicious, and leaves you with minimal cleanup.
9. Shepherd’s Pie
This classic comfort food never goes out of style. Start by sautéing ground beef with onions, garlic, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and a little beef broth to create a thick, savory filling.
Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top it with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are golden and slightly crispy. It’s like a warm hug in dinner form.
10. Beefy Nachos
Nachos for dinner? Yes, please! Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet, sprinkle cooked and seasoned ground beef on top, and add black beans, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.
Pop it in the oven at 375°F until the cheese melts.
Top with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. These nachos are perfect for a laid-back dinner or a movie night treat.
11. Hamburger Soup
This hearty soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic.
Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, beef broth, and a pinch of thyme.
Let it simmer until the veggies are tender. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a wholesome meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
12. Beefy Quesadillas
Quesadillas are always a hit, and adding ground beef takes them to the next level. Cook the beef with taco seasoning, then layer it on a tortilla with shredded cheese and a dollop of salsa.
Top with another tortilla and toast in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole for dipping. It’s cheesy, crispy, and ridiculously good.
13. Beef Stroganoff
This creamy, comforting dish is a family favorite. Sauté ground beef with onions and mushrooms, then stir in sour cream, beef broth, and a little Dijon mustard.
Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and serve over egg noodles.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. Stroganoff is the kind of meal that makes you want to savor every bite.
Conclusion
There you go – 13 ground beef dinner ideas that’ll make your weeknight meals exciting and delicious.
These recipes prove that ground beef isn’t just a humble ingredient; it’s a dinnertime MVP. So grab that pack of ground beef, pick your favorite idea, and let’s make something amazing tonight!