If you are wondering what to cook with ground beef, you’ve come to the right place! This collection of easy and delicious Ground Beef Recipes is sure to satisfy every craving.
From the juiciest of juicy meatballs from all around the world, to fat delicious burgers, to better than any take out of your favorite Asian and Mexican flavors, to the cheesiest meaty casseroles and soups.
This list has all of the best ground beef dinner ideas. You will have plenty to drool over here, as you cook your way through this list.
Have fun trying some old classics and new flavors that will amaze you with their deliciousness. We just love all of these ground beef recipes, and we hope you do too!
Tips for Buying and Cooking with Ground Beef
- Choose the Right Fat Content: Opt for 85-90% lean ground beef for a balanced flavor and texture. This level of leanness works well for most recipes.
- Check the Color: Fresh ground beef should be bright red. If it’s brown or gray, it may be old.
- Use or Freeze Quickly: Ground beef has a short shelf life. Use it within 1-2 days of purchasing, or freeze it for up to 4 months.
- Safety First: Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Ground beef is a blank canvas that loves to be adorned with flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When forming patties or meatballs, avoid overmixing as it can make the beef tough.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let your beef dish rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Ground Beef Pastas
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, everyone’s childhood favorite. It can be a quick weeknight meal, or the sauce can simmer for hours.
This recipe is super meaty and saucy at the same time. Everyone will have fun twirling those noodles when this comes to the table.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Cheesy Tortellini Bake
This Tortellini Bake is an easy, one-skillet, dinner loaded with meat, sauce and melty cheese that the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Baked Tortellini
Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
Ground Beef Taco Pasta!! Now that’s a taco lover’s sweet dream. All your favorite taco flavors get cheesy and creamy, mixed in with any type of your preferred pasta, and Taco Pasta happens. How cool!!
Believe me, this dish is hands down irresistible. It has bold homemade taco seasoning that’s needed for the zest in the creamy, cheesy pasta sauce. Make this Tex-Mex style pasta tonight for that major comfort food fix.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and Meatball is everyone’s favorite, young and old alike. Plump, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmer in marinara sauce, then get served with fun twirly spaghetti.
Serve this comfort food classic up for a Sunday dinner, or whip it up on a weeknight to make your regular day feel special.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs
American Goulash
Now here’s a nostalgic dish from old time Americana… American Goulash! It’s a pantry staple comfort food that goes back over 100 years, and still tastes just as good today.
Tender macaroni, hearty ground beef, all tossed in a well seasoned tomato sauce along with plenty of cheese. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate kid friendly dinner?
Get the Recipe: American Goulash
Cincinnati Chili
Chili with spaghetti? You bet! If you’re looking for a unique new chili recipe, here it is! Cincinnati Chili is very different from other chilis you’ve had, but is totally awesome.
Typically served over spaghetti noodles, it has a lot of flavorings you might not expect, like cinnamon, cloves and even chocolate. How cool!
Get the Recipe: Cincinnati Chili
Meatballs
Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)
These Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. Tender, perfectly cooked meat spheres smothered in the most delectable sauce.
This is one of our favorite ground beef recipes!
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs
Check out our collection of favorite Meatball Recipes!
Keftedes
Keftedes are beautifully flavored Greek meatballs that are slightly crispy, and totally delicious!
They’re often served as part of a mezze platter with pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives and tzatziki sauce.
Get the Recipe: Keftedes
Italian Baked Meatballs
How about some classic comfort food tonight? These Italian Baked Meatballs are just that!
Tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs are drenched in a simple homemade marinara sauce, and then baked to succulent perfection.
Serve them with your favorite pasta or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a dinner that will be loved by all.
Get the Recipe: Italian Baked Meatballs
Spanish Meatballs
Want to make restaurant-quality meatballs at home? Then, we have found the best Spanish Meatball recipe for you!
These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs are all about the flavors that are just irresistible, and it’s made using simple pantry ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Meatballs
Soutzoukakia
You have to try these good looking and delicious Greek Meatballs.
These football shaped meatballs, Soutzoukakia, are smothered in a cinnamon-y wine enhanced tomato sauce laced with cumin. You’re gonna keep coming back to this one!
Get the Recipe: Soutzoukakia
Casseroles with Ground Beef
Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Tacos get transformed into a hot dish, aka Casserole… Taco Casserole!! Everyone’s favorite hand held meal gets a cozy comfort food make over.
Get ready for a really Out Of This World Delicious ground beef casserole. This 9×13 dinner is a real crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Johnny Marzetti (A Midwest Classic)
Who is Johnny Marzetti? One hearty and nostalgic American casserole, that’s who. You might call him by another name, but you know this one!
It’s a kid friendly ground beef and pasta casserole that’s a sure hit.
Get the Recipe: Johnny Marzetti
Pastel de Choclo (Chilean Ground Beef and Corn Pie)
An exotic and super delicious variation on Shepherd’s Pie. The ingredients for this Chilean classic seem a bit random, but believe me, it is amazing!
It’s a Corn Pie stuffed with a meaty filling you would never imagine.
Get the Recipe: Pastel de Choclo
Greek Moussaka
Moussaka is an iconic layered eggplant casserole.
This Greek version is an amazing comfort food, and a perfect make ahead company meal. All time classic.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka
One Skillet Mexican Casserole
10 minutes of active cook time on your part, with simple pantry staple ingredients, and this amazing casserole full of Mexican flavors happens.
And did you hear one skillet? Yup music to my ears, for easy clean up later.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole
Ground Beef Soups and Stews
Chipotle Chili
Rich and hearty, with a layer of smokiness from chipotle peppers, this chili will keep you warm on winter nights. Make a big batch, it’s even better as leftovers!
It’s packed with the flavors you expect in a chili, but with the added bonus of chipotles in adobo sauce for that extra depth of smokiness.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chili
Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
This one is a Latin favorite. Albondigas soup is made with beef and rice meatballs which are simmered in a seasoned tomato broth along with potatoes, carrots and zucchini, corn.
A hearty soup that both kids and adults will enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Albondigas Soup
Meaty Cabbage Soup
This hearty, meaty cabbage soup is the perfect one pot dinner. It’s loaded with protein and healthy veggies.
Cook it in the crock pot, instant pot or on stove top, it’ll turn out great every single time. Perfect healthy, guilt free delicious munchings.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Cabbage Soup
Ultimate Chili
It’s big. It’s bold. It’s… ultimate. This chili is jam packed with everything.
You better have a big appetite, and a big couch to plop down on after a heaping serving of this chili. With three meats and three beans, this one will fill you up for a long time.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Chili
Taco Soup
This Taco Soup is an easy, protein packed soup full of zesty, crave-worthy flavor. Plus it’s perfectly hearty and filling.
It’s like chili’s soupier cousin and it’s loaded with all the best taco style ingredients! Craving Mexican without bothering to assemble tacos? Have this soup instead.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Easy Asian Ground Beef Dinners
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl has just the right combination of sweet, salty, umami and just a touch of spicy.
Try it when you crave some Asian flavors, or just need something super quick! Excellent ground beef recipe for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Does dinner in 20 minutes sound good? Then this Ground Beef Stir Fry recipe is a jackpot for you!
Packed with hearty ground beef, an assortment of colorful veggies, and a stir fry sauce that’s an umami lover’s dream, this may be the easiest dinner you’ve ever cooked.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground Beef Bulgogi
15 minute dinner idea that is easy, delicious and family friendly? Yup. You have come to the right recipe. Ground Beef Bulgogi is a simple and delightful twist on traditional Korean Bulgogi.
Using ground beef makes this dish accessible and quick to prepare without losing the unique and delicious flavors of the original. Sweet, savory, and a touch of spice blend together in this recipe, creating a meal that’s satisfying and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Bulgogi
Mongolian Ground Beef
Mongolian Ground Beef is a 20 minute stir fry bursting with sweet and savory Asian flavors. It’s a perfect weeknight meal to come back to again and again.
Excellent and economical ground beef recipe that is super delicious with all your favorite Asian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Ground Beef
Tasty Latin Dishes with Ground Beef
Puerto Rican Picadillo
Picadillo… The Most famous and popular ground beef recipe from all the Latin countries. This one is Puerto Rican style.
Here, ground beef is seasoned in a tomato based sauce with all the Latin staples like sofrito, adobo and sazon with a bunch of fresh veggies. The addition of olives and raisins adds so much depth and flavor to this amazingly tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Puerto Rican Picadillo
Easy Ground Beef Tacos
These ground beef tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday or frankly any other night. You really can’t have enough tacos right?
The secret for great tacos is your own homemade taco seasoning. Learn how easy and quick it is to assemble these great looking tacos.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos
Mexican Picadillo
Imagine tender ground beef simmered in Latin flavorings, along with tomatoes and a good dose of veggies… that’s Mexican Picadillo for you!
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a nutritious and flavor packed meal on the table with minimal efforts.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Picadilo
More Great Ground Beef Dishes
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
These vibrant, colorful, gorgeous looking bell peppers have all the essence and soul of the Mediterranean. Be it that briny taste of kalamata olives, to the tanginess of feta, to the nuttiness of pearled couscous, to a little freshness of cherry tomatoes to the toastiness of pine nuts.
It’s all spirited together with ground beef and some fresh herbs. Try stuffing you peppers this new Mediterranean way…
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Loaded Layered Hummus Dip with Ground Beef
Dress up your hummus like never before… Get that scooping going with this beautiful, bright and colorful Layered Hummus Dip.
This luscious loaded hummus is perfect for your party or potluck appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Layered Hummus Dip
Loco Moco (Hawaiian Beef Patty with Gravy)
Loco Moco is a fun, yet delicious, Hawaiian dish where a heap of rice is topped with a beef patty, smothered with gravy, and finished with a sunny side up egg.
This is one of the most fun ground beef recipes!
Get the Recipe: Loco Moco
Salisbury Steak
Now this one is an absolute TREAT. This meal is made up of a simple ground beef patty and a rich mushroom gravy. Delicious can be super easy.
Serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta and you are set for one cozy comfort night.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak
Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice is a famous dish in Creole and Cajun cuisines. White rice gets a “dirty” color from bits of meat and a generous dose of seasonings.
It’s a super delicious recipe that’s packed with flavor. And although it’s usually served as a side dish, we love it as a main.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
These Mediterranean Zucchini Boats are stuffed with herb seasoned ground beef and garnished with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and feta.
They’re a light and fresh version of this low carb favorite. Get those Mediterranean flavors going tonight.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Zucchini Boats
Bolognese Sauce
This Bolognese Sauce Recipe has layers of flavors, and is going to elevate your pasta nights to new levels!
Rich and meaty, it simmers for hours. But at the end, it’s so worth the wait when you take your first bite of the perfect final product.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce
Ground Beef Kofta
This is authentic Lebanese beef kabob recipe is made with ground beef, minced onions, chopped parsley, and seasoned with some Middle Eastern spices.
They are made into an oblong shape and placed on skewers for grilling. Juicy, tender and flavorful, ready in about 20 minutes. Sounds great!
Get the Recipe: Kofta
Beef Kheema (Indian Ground Beef with Peas)
Kheema… One of the beloved ground meat dishes from India and Pakistan. It’s one of the quickest curry dishes you can whip up!
It can range from mild to medium to hot and spicy… just the way you like it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kheema
Easy Cheesy Taco Skillet with Ground Beef
This quick & easy taco skillet is loaded with flavors and topped with melty cheese. It’s a great weeknight meal or any party day crowd pleaser.
Start to finish in 30 minutes, it’s one of the easiest ground beef dinners you can make.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Lebanese Hashweh
This Lebanese Hashweh rice is a hearty one pot meal where rice is cooked with ground meat and plenty of warm Middle Eastern spices.
Top it up with fresh parsley and a variety of nuts, and you have a totally company worthy dish that can serve as an entrée or a side. A delicious new flavor to try of you are looking for something new to cook with your ground beef.
Get the Recipe: Hashweh
Smash Burger Tacos
Have you heard about Smash Tacos? They are quirky, they are unexpectedly finger licking delicious, and they are the latest food sensation.
Don’t under estimate this hand held meal as just the latest media food-fad. One bite into it, and I bet you will do a little happy dance, munching a mouthful and savoring the familiar taste in new form.
Get the Recipe: Smash Burger Tacos
Beef Nachos Supreme
You need to make these epic beef nachos supreme at your next party or family gathering, or even on a fun Sunday.
Seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, tomatoes and green onions make such a great flavor combination.
Get the Recipe @ apinchofhealthy
Sweet Onion Mushroom Swiss Burgers
BEST diner-style sweet onion and mushroom swiss burgers! The burger patty is juicy and perfectly seasoned, but it’s the mushrooms and onions really take it over the top!
Top it off with Swiss cheese and you’ll see why it’s so addicting! Try it on your next burger night.
Get the Recipe @ littlespicejar
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes… Saucy, meaty, sweet, and savory. This American classic sure does live up to its name! It’s a meal that everyone will approve of, while barely taking any effort to make it happen.
So grab a plate, a napkin (or ten), and get ready to put together this spectacular dinner!
Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
This meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds so much flavor to the whole dish.
Serve it over mashed potatoes and get ready for one of the classic comfort food nights.
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
Classic Patty Melt
This Classic Patty Melt Recipe is an all-American classic sandwich.
There’s nothing better than a good, meaty, beefy burger that is topped with caramelized onions, melted cheese and served toasted on delicious rye bread.
Get the Recipe @ culinaryginger
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
The safest way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that these meats have different fat contents and may result in a different texture and flavor.
It’s often advisable to drain excess fat for a less greasy end result, but some recipes might benefit from the added flavor.
Conclusion
We have given you so many options and ideas, some new and some old classics, for that very versatile minced meat. All these ground beef recipes are keepers!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Ground Pork Recipes
Ground Venison Recipes
Ground Lamb Recipes
Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground Chicken Recipes
Ground Bison Recipes
45 BEST Ground Beef Recipes
This great collection of easy Ground Beef Recipes will give you plenty of family friendly weeknight dinner ideas!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Cheesy Tortellini Bake
- Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
- American Goulash
- Cincinnati Chili
- Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)
- Keftedes
- Italian Baked Meatballs
- Spanish Meatballs
- Soutzoukakia
- Ground Beef Taco Casserole
- Johnny Marzetti (A Midwest Classic)
- Pastel de Choclo (Chilean Ground Beef and Corn Pie)
- Greek Moussaka
- One Skillet Mexican Casserole
- Chipotle Chili
- Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
- Meaty Cabbage Soup
- Ultimate Chili
- Taco Soup
- Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Ground Beef Stir Fry
- Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Mongolian Ground Beef
- Puerto Rican Picadillo
- Easy Ground Beef Tacos
- Mexican Picadillo
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
- Loaded Layered Hummus Dip with Ground Beef
- Loco Moco (Hawaiian Beef Patty with Gravy)
- Salisbury Steak
- Dirty Rice
- Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
- Bolognese Sauce
- Ground Beef Kofta
- Beef Kheema (Indian Ground Beef with Peas)
- Easy Cheesy Taco Skillet with Ground Beef
- Lebanese Hashweh
- Smash Burger Tacos
- Beef Nachos Supreme
- Sweet Onion Mushroom Swiss Burgers
- Sloppy Joes
- Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
- Classic Patty Melt
Instructions
- Choose a recipe that looks tasty. Try something you haven't had before, it's fun to experiment!
- Make a shopping list and buy the ingredients.
- Cook your new favorite Ground Beef Recipe!
Notes
- Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!
Summer's here! Try these Blackstone Recipes!
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This is my ultimate go to recipe! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I use the same marinade with chicken breast to make chicken tacos as well! Absolutely HEAVENLY RECIPE