47 Ground Beef Recipes People Trust When Dinner Has to Happen

Dinner plans can feel stressful when time is short and everyone’s hungry. This roundup includes 47 ground beef recipe ideas that offer plenty of variety for different needs. Ground beef is a simple option for familiar meals that don’t require much overthinking. On hectic evenings, it helps to have a few dependable ideas to choose from.

A golden-brown baked dish with melted cheese and chopped herbs, being served with a spoon from an oval white casserole dish. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Beef Moussaka

A close-up of a serving of cheesy baked lasagna with visible layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese. — Beef Moussaka. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

There’s something incredibly comforting about layers of tender beef and creamy potatoes in this Beef Moussaka recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for moments that call for a hearty meal. Whether served at family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish always leaves guests asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Beef Moussaka

Big Mac Sliders

Two sloppy joe sliders with melted cheese and ground beef filling stacked on a plate, with lettuce and a bowl in the background. — Big Mac Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized burgers don’t get much better than this Big Mac Sliders recipe. Packed with familiar flavors, it offers all the fun without the fuss of full-sized burgers. Perfect for game days or quick meals, these sliders are guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Who doesn’t love quick classics?
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Salisbury Steak

Several browned meat patties in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with chopped chives. — Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dinner feels a little cozier with recipes like this Salisbury Steak bringing warm, nostalgic flavors to the table. Its tender beef paired with savory gravy creates the ultimate comfort dish. It’s a timeless choice, especially on nights when you need something hearty and filling made simple.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Three mini meatloafs topped with sauce are baked on a foil-lined tray with roasted sweet potato chunks and broccoli florets, garnished with chopped parsley. — Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple dinners go a long way when you’re serving something like this Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies. Cooking everything together makes clean-up easier, and the flavors feel just as homemade as ever. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s a recipe you can count on for both convenience and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Hamburger Sliders

Three sesame seed buns filled with melted cheese and ground beef are arranged on a wooden board. — Hamburger Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

There’s no wrong time to serve this Hamburger Slider recipe, especially when quick and easy meals are needed in a pinch. These bite-sized burgers are packed with flavor and tailored for sharing. Great for casual meals or gatherings, they capture everything you love about burgers but make it even simpler to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Sliders

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish featuring tater tots, creamy sauce, ground beef, corn, and garnished with chopped parsley. — Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When life gets busy, recipes like this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole come to the rescue with hearty, hands-off cooking. Rustic flavors come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, giving you time to relax. It’s fulfilling, simple, and perfect for feeding big appetites, all while keeping things easy in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of sliders filled with cooked ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a white surface, with some jalapeño slices scattered nearby. — Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Big flavor comes in small packages, and these Cowboy Sliders prove it every time. With their bold, hearty ingredients tucked into fun-sized bites, they’re perfect for parties or weeknight meals. They’re easy to share and impossible to resist, making them ideal for feeding hungry guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish. — Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Layers of pasta and seasoned beef make this Million Dollar Spaghetti a crowd-favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Every bite feels comforting and indulgent, turning busy nights into effortlessly fulfilling meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or feeding family, this recipe always hits the right note.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground. — Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night gets easier and even more fulfilling with recipes like this Beef Enchilada Casserole. Its bold layers deliver big flavors with zero fuss, making it a favorite for family dinners or potluck gatherings. When flavor matters but convenience counts, this dish delivers without compromise every single time.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage

Comfort food feels classic with recipes like this Stuffed Cabbage, perfectly blending seasoned beef with tender cabbage leaves. It’s a dish that always brings warmth to the table while feeling familiar yet fulfilling. Ideal for casual dinners, it’s proof that simple food can leave lasting impressions.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Hamburger Casserole

Busy days call for recipes like this Hamburger Casserole, where hearty, layered flavors come together with ease. It’s a reliable option for family meals or weeknight cooking that keeps everyone satisfied. Simple to make and even simpler to love, this dinner has comfort written all over it.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Two sesame seed burgers with cheese, shredded lettuce, ground meat, and pickles, stacked on a plate. — Big Mac Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Familiar flavors take a fun twist in recipes like this Big Mac Sloppy Joe, where hearty sandwich layers meet the nostalgia of fast food. It’s quick to make and always a hit at mealtime, with everyone grabbing a fork or a napkin for those messy bites. Big flavor gets easier when you keep things down-to-earth.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A bowl of stir-fried ground meat, shredded cabbage, and carrots, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Takeout flavors meet home-cooked ease in recipes like this Egg Roll in a Bowl. Its bold, fulfilling ingredients make cravings manageable without stepping foot outside your kitchen. Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing, it’s a smart choice for busy nights when flavor and simplicity both matter.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta. — Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining two favorites, this Cheeseburger Pasta makes weeknight dinners both fun and memorable. Its hearty flavor feels familiar, but the playful twist keeps plates clean and smiles big. Perfect for family meals, it creates a fusion that’s hard to forget and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby. — Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some recipes never go out of style, like this Beef Chili, which brings warm, hearty flavor to the table every time. Perfect for cool evenings or big appetites, it’s a dish that’s both easy to share and endlessly fulfilling. Pair it with sides or enjoy on its own, it’s guaranteed to keep everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Bite-Sized Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate. — Bite-Sized Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini meals pack major flavor in recipes like this Bite-Sized Mini Tacos, perfect for parties or relaxed dinners. These fun-sized bites make taco night easier to enjoy and serve without losing any love for the classic dish. When variety matters, this recipe keeps your table filled with smiles and seconds.
Get the Recipe: Bite-Sized Mini Tacos

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley. — Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A hearty dish like this Cattle Drive Casserole never misses when appetites call for something robust. Layers of rustic ingredients blend seamlessly for a feel-good dinner that everyone can appreciate. Whether feeding a crowd or tackling family mealtime, it’s a simple way to keep plates loaded and guests satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Combining the richness of beef and the tenderness of tortellini, this Beef Enchilada Tortellini offers pure comfort. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade and fulfilling without too much effort. A favorite for cozy nights or casual gatherings, it promises flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce. — Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The bold flavors of this Korean Burgers recipe bring a fun twist to ordinary burgers. Perfect for those moments when you’re craving something new, they’re juicy, flavorful, and just a little sweet. Simple to serve with sides or on their own, they’re an instant hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Layered Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Layered Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich layers of pasta, beef, and cheese come together in this Layered Homemade Lasagna to create the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a dinner that feels just a bit indulgent and filled with love. Whether for company or family mealtime, it’s impossible not to enjoy every perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Layered Homemade Lasagna

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Four zucchini boats topped with ground meat, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley on a white plate. — Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning fresh zucchini into something hearty and flavorful, this Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe feels light yet fulfilling. The seasoned beef brings richness without being overpowering, letting the zucchini shine. This dish works just as well as a main course or paired with other favorites.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Juicy Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun. — Juicy Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp edges and juicy beef make this Juicy Copycat Smash Burger the answer to any burger craving. When you want classic flavors done right, this recipe is always a reliable choice. Served with fries or toppings of your choice, it’s sure to disappear fast at the table.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Copycat Smash Burger

Instant Pot Spaghetti

A close-up of spaghetti topped with ground meat and tomato sauce, garnished with grated cheese and a basil leaf, served on a white plate. — Instant Pot Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Busy nights just got easier thanks to this Instant Pot Spaghetti that mixes convenience with comfort. The seasoned beef adds heartiness, while the one-pot prep keeps things stress-free. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for quick, delicious meals without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti

Seasoned Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions. — Seasoned Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few dinners are as dependable and crowd-pleasing as these Seasoned Beef Tacos. With perfectly flavored beef, they’re simple to serve for casual meals or taco nights. Whether topped with fresh ingredients or enjoyed as-is, this recipe never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Seasoned Beef Tacos

Italian Wedding Soup

Bowl of soup with meatballs, spinach, pasta, and vegetables in broth, topped with grated cheese and herbs. — Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm, fulfilling bowls of Italian Wedding Soup bring together greens, broth, and tender bites of beef. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need comforting flavors. Guests and family alike will love how fresh yet hearty this dish feels.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

A close-up of stacked quesadilla wedges filled with black beans, ground meat, melted cheese, and diced vegetables, topped with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped herbs. — Sheet Pan Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning a classic favorite into the ultimate dinner hack, this Sheet Pan Quesadillas recipe simplifies weeknight cooking. The seasoned beef layers make this dish filling and delicious, while the easy prep lets you focus on enjoying the meal with everyone. It’s perfect for feeding a group without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate. — Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Loaded with flavor and baked to perfection, this Baked Beef Tacos recipe makes taco night better than ever. The crunchy shells pair beautifully with the savory beef for a meal that’s stress-free and fulfilling. Serve it for an easy dinner everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Cheeseburger Soup

A pot of cheesy potato and meat stew garnished with chopped parsley and crispy bacon. — Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning cheeseburger flavors into something warm and spoonable, this Cheeseburger Soup wraps you in comfort. Beef and cheesy goodness come together for a meal that’s perfect for pairing with bread or crackers. It feels fulfilling without being complicated, making it a favorite at any table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands. — Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The flavors of pizza are reinvented in this Pizza Casserole that’s fun, hearty, and easy to share. Ground beef adds texture and richness to a dish that works for casual meals or feeding hungry guests. Kids and adults alike love how simple yet fulfilling this recipe feels.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Hamburger Soup

A bowl of ground meat stew with potatoes, peas, carrots, and herbs in a rich broth, garnished with chopped parsley. — Hamburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple ingredients meet big flavor in this Hamburger Soup that’s equal parts hearty and comforting. Fresh vegetables and seasoned beef create a perfect bowl for chilly nights or quick dinners. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Cheesy Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background. — Cheesy Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making taco night even easier, this Cheesy Taco Casserole layers beef and cheese into one fun dish. It’s a great way to serve a favorite without the fuss of assembling individual tacos. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this recipe always feels like a win for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Casserole

Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

A platter of nachos topped with ground meat, melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. Lime wedges are on the side. — Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Beef enchilada flavors meet crunchy chips in this Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos recipe that’s made for sharing. Perfect for serving at a party or laid-back dinner, this dish combines seasoned beef and toppings in a way that feels festive yet effortless. It’s hard to resist this easy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon. — Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few recipes balance fun and comfort as well as this Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Crispy tater tots sit atop hearty beef for a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Simple to prepare but packed with flavor, this recipe keeps weeknight dinners exciting yet easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate. — Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Putting a fresh spin on an old favorite, this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes recipe pairs savory beef with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for casual meals or feeding a group, it’s a dish that feels approachable yet a little unexpected. Quick to whip up, it’s sure to make dinner easier.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Cheeseburger Casserole

A comforting dinner option, this Cheeseburger Casserole is perfect when you want something hearty and stress-free. Its nostalgic flavors remind everyone of a favorite burger but with a fun twist. Easy to share and quick to disappear, it’s dependable for busy nights or hungry crowds alike.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Loaded Taco Pizza

A close-up of a loaded flatbread pizza topped with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, seasoned meat, black beans, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. — Loaded Taco Pizza. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining two all-time favorites, this Loaded Taco Pizza offers a fun, flavorful meal that shakes up your dinner routine. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and a creative spin on classics. This recipe is always a hit and becomes the kind of dish people look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Taco Pizza

Cheeseburger

Few meals offer such simple satisfaction like this Cheeseburger, bringing comfort food to the table in its very best form. Juicy, flavorful, and timeless, it works whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others. No fancy extras needed, it delivers joy with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

If stuffed peppers are your favorite dinner, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole makes the same flavors easier to enjoy. Bold and hearty, it hits the spot without the added fuss of traditional stuffed peppers. Serve it for a group or yourself, and you’ll see why it’s so popular.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side. — Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic dinner choice, this Spaghetti Bolognese is full of comfort and rich flavors that never fail to please. Perfect for busy nights or cozy meals at home, it’s easy to love and even easier to make. Every plate feels like a warm hug, and people often want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese. — Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When the evening calls for warmth, this Taco Soup brings flavor and heartiness to the table with ease. Whether you’re serving family or treating yourself, this dish is fulfilling without being heavy. It’s just the thing for nights when you need something beyond the usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Cowboy Casserole

Packed with flavors that feel familiar and comforting, this Cowboy Casserole is a go-to dinner for busy evenings. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when dinner has to be reliable and filling. Rich flavors make this popular with all ages and are sure to keep it on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Meatloaf

The tried-and-true favorite, this Meatloaf never goes out of style when comfort food is the goal. It’s simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with all kinds of sides, making it a practical choice for any dinner. Loved for generations, it’s reliable and always a top option when hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs. — Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With its baked spin on a classic, this Spaghetti Casserole turns a traditional favorite into something extra special. It’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd or simply a hungry family. Every bite brings out rich flavors, making it hard to stop at just one serving.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf. — Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning a beloved classic into something fresh, this Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Using a slow cooker makes it even easier, so you can focus on the moments that matter. Bold, filling, and dependable, this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Taco Salad

A fun spin on classic taco flavors, this Taco Salad brings fresh ingredients together in a way that’s light yet satisfying. It’s a great choice whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to bring to a gathering. This dish is easy to love and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

A close-up of Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy sauce, piled in a wooden bowl. — Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Full of creamy, comforting flavors, these Swedish Meatballs deliver a restaurant-quality dish you can make in your own home. Perfect for pairing with noodles, potatoes, or a simple side, this recipe fits almost any occasion. People always come back for more, it’s hard to resist its rich appeal.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Mixing everything great about sloppy joes into an easy bake, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is bold, comforting, and always a hit. It’s great for serving at busy family dinners and works well as a dish to bring along to gatherings. With big flavors and mess-free preparation, it’s a favorite for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.