One Ingredient, Endless Possibilities—29 Ground Beef Recipes To Try

Ground beef really pulls its weight with these 29 ways to make dinner feel less like a chore. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or clearing out the fridge, this lineup handles it. One ingredient, plenty of directions, zero extra stress. It’s the kind of versatility that keeps things moving.

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

One bowl of Taco Soup is all it takes to make you forget how long your day was. It’s warm, filling, and easy to keep going back for more. Feels like something you’d get handed when you show up unannounced at a friend’s place. No effort needed to enjoy it to the last drop.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

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.

Layers make Beef Enchilada Casserole hit different, especially when you want something that holds up well on a plate. It’s not fancy, but it has that stay-at-the-table energy. Perfect when you want leftovers that don’t feel like leftovers. Even better if you like meals that don’t slide apart.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, with lime slices on the side.
Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for something filling without the usual side dishes, Southwest Sweet Potatoes are a solid go-to. They’re the kind of thing that feels put together without being overdone. Works for lunch, dinner, or whenever you don’t want to think too hard about cooking. Just heat and eat, no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

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.

There’s something nice about how Baked Beef Tacos hold their shape without falling apart. They’re crunchy where it counts and don’t make a mess. Great for groups or for when you want everything ready at once. You’ll probably end up grabbing more than one.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

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.

You can count on Spaghetti Bolognese to feel like a full meal with almost no effort. It’s got that casual vibe but still feels like a sit-down dinner. Works any day of the week, especially when you want something easy but not boring. It’s just always a solid move.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Copycat Smash Burger

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

You don’t need a grill to get that same crunch from Copycat Smash Burger. It’s fast, a little messy, and perfect for loading up however you want. No need to explain this one—just eat and repeat. It’s the kind of thing people ask you to make again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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.

Pizza Casserole gives you the fun of pizza without all the extra steps. It holds everything in one place and doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. Feels right for lazy weekends or a quick weeknight fix. Kids and grownups both go in for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No surprises with Easy Meatloaf Recipe, and that’s a good thing. It slices clean, holds well, and doesn’t need dressing up. Good when you want comfort without standing over the stove. People always go quiet when this one hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you want something familiar with a twist, Big Mac Crunchwrap does the job. It’s folded up like it’s hiding something good inside, and it is. Feels like drive-thru food but way easier to control. You’ll probably start thinking of other things to fold up after this.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something heartwarming about layers of ground beef sandwiched between pasta, sauce, and cheese. Homemade Lasagna feels like a meal made to impress while still being perfect for just a cozy dinner at home. It’s a recipe that holds well for leftovers and comes together in a way that feels both hearty and simple.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

This dish takes spaghetti to the next level by baking everything together in one pan. Spaghetti Casserole is all about that baked-in flavor, where ground beef shines in every tasty bite. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making meals ahead, thanks to its simplicity and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when cheeseburgers meet pasta, here’s your answer. Cheeseburger Pasta combines the best of both worlds into a dish that’s familiar but different. It’s quick to make and feels just as fun to eat, with flavors blending in ways you don’t typically see.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoonful of stuffed pepper casserole with ground meat, red and green bell peppers, cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Forget stuffing individual peppers, this recipe simplifies things by baking it all together. Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings that cozy, homemade vibe without the extra work. Balanced with lots of flavor in every bite, it’s great for family dinners or meal prep days. Plus, it’s adaptable so you can mix it up depending on your mood.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Cheeseburger Soup

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

This recipe turns everything you know about cheeseburgers into a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Cheeseburger Soup takes familiar flavors and transforms them into something unique but still comforting. It’s a fantastic choice for cooler nights or when you want something filling without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

Ground beef meets bold flavors in this simple but hearty dish made for big bowls. Beef Chili works great on its own or as the base for other creative meals. It’s flexible, easy to make, and great for feeding a crowd without much stress. There’s something naturally comforting about each bite that’s hard to pass up.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Ground beef, baked tater tots, and a creamy filling come together to create this crowd-pleaser. Easy Tater Tot Casserole works well for family meals or a fun dish for gatherings. The tater tots add crunch to every bite, pulling everything together into something rewarding but simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner gets fun and handheld with this customizable wrap stuffed with ground beef. Crunchwrap Supreme takes casual dinner ideas and gives them a twist you’ll love. Convenient and easy to make, it feels playful but still filling for any meal. Perfect for experimenting with new flavors or just recreating your favorite fast-food items at home.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

If you’ve tried these famous meatballs before, you know how good they are, and now you can make them at home. Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) takes ground beef and turns it into something tender and flavorful enough to pair with almost anything. These meatballs feel special but are surprisingly simple to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Taco Casserole

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

This meal combines bold taco flavors into one easy-to-bake dish that’s perfect for sharing. Taco Casserole makes it simple to serve something rewarding with fewer steps than handheld tacos. You get all the layered flavor without needing separate tortillas or shells.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving that burger taste without the bun, this idea works perfectly. Copycat Big Mac Salad mixes beef, sauce, and crunch in a healthier twist on the original menu item. It’s fun to make and easy to serve, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Great for lunch or dinner, this recipe feels fresh and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

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.
Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combine taco flavors with the heartiness of a meatloaf in this easy dish. Taco Meatloaf is a fun way to switch up your dinner routine while keeping things simple. It’s packed with flavor, and the loaf shape makes it easy to cut, serve, or reheat later. A crowd pleaser for sure, especially if tacos are already a favorite at your table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

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.

When ground beef meets potatoes and cheesy layers, dinner feels complete. Cattle Drive Casserole is all about hearty comfort without too much work thanks to its one-pan setup. This recipe works for both busy weekdays and party spreads, keeping it versatile but approachable. You’ll want this in the regular rotation for sure.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Beef Tacos

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

You can’t really go wrong with something as familiar as Beef Tacos. They’re quick to pull together and have that perfect mix of crunch and tasty flavor. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, they just work without needing much else. It’s also easy to make them work for different preferences.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about a classic Cheeseburger that hits different when it’s homemade. The simple mix of textures makes each bite rewarding without trying too hard. It’s that go-to option when you want something filling without much prep. You can keep it plain or make it a little extra depending on the mood.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

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.

If you’re stuck choosing between pasta and something hearty, Million Dollar Spaghetti is the answer. It mixes both into one dish that somehow feels comforting every single time. It’s baked just right so everything comes together with zero stress. Feels like a cheat meal, but it’s really just smart cooking.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can count on Cowboy Casserole when you’ve got a hungry group and not a lot of time. It’s the kind of thing you throw together and know it’ll be gone fast. The mix of creamy and crisp textures keeps it from being boring. It’s basic in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

If you want something that steps away from the usual, Korean Burgers are a good way to change things up. They bring a little kick, but not too much, and still keep that burger feel. It’s easy to put together but has something new going on. You get flavor and comfort at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini Tacos are just fun. They’re small, quick to make, and great for sharing or snacking. You get the same bold flavors of a full taco without needing a plate and fork. Great for feeding a few people or just making a casual night feel like something.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You don’t expect much from mixing pasta and bold flavors, but Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini makes it work. It’s got a soft texture with a bit of heat, making it feel different without being complicated. It’s great when you’re bored of plain pasta or tacos. You’ll probably want seconds without even thinking about it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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.

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