25 Ground Beef Ideas That Helped Me Stretch Groceries

ByMandy Applegate

Stretching groceries doesn’t mean cutting back on comfort. These ground beef ideas cover everything from quick bites to crowd-pleasers without needing a full pantry reset. Some bring back the lunchbox years, while others work for any night when the fridge feels empty. The real trick is how far these meals go without trying too hard.

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

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.

Stretching your grocery bill can be smart and delicious. Make Million Dollar Spaghetti for a rich and satisfying family meal that’s easy on your budget. It combines everything you love about spaghetti and lasagna in one dish. You’ll have leftovers for days, and it only gets better overnight.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Big Mac Pinwheels

Close-up of puff pastry rounds topped with ground meat, shredded lettuce, sesame seeds, and a creamy sauce, arranged on parchment paper.
Big Mac Pinwheels. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A creative dish for snacks or meals is always welcome. Try Big Mac Pinwheels, which give you all the iconic flavors in a snack-sized roll. They’re great for lunchboxes, parties, or just a casual afternoon treat. Easy to make ahead, they’re ready whenever you want.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Pinwheels

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.

Stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal everyone will enjoy. Beef Chili packs comfort into every bowl and works well as a make-ahead option. It only gets better as it ages, so it’s great for leftovers. Serve it alone or with your favorite toppings for an easy win at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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.

Transform a few ingredients into something fun and crowd-friendly. Cowboy Sliders offer beefy goodness with a hint of smokiness for extra appeal. They’re excellent for gatherings or a quick dinner fix with minimal fuss. Once you try them, they might become a weekly favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs.
Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Budget-friendly meals can still feel hearty and comforting. Stuffed Cabbage rolls deliver exactly that, with tender cabbage wrapped around seasoned beef. They’re a classic, filling option that also freezes nicely for future meals. Make extra, and you’ll have another meal on hand.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

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.

Building a layered dish can turn everyday ground beef into something special. Beef Moussaka combines roasted vegetables, seasoned beef, and a creamy topping for a comforting meal. It reheats well, making it a useful option for leftovers. Each bite provides a blend of textures and layers.
Get the Recipe: Beef Moussaka

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.

Ground beef isn’t just for the basics. Create Big Mac Crunchwrap, which puts all the familiar tastes of a burger in a portable, layered wrap. It’s great for weeknights when you want something simple without giving up on variety. Add your favorite sauces to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

Casseroles are a lifesaver when time is tight. Stuffed Pepper Casserole has all the goodness of stuffed peppers, minus the extra prep. It comes together quickly and makes clean-up easy with its one-dish format. Perfect for feeding a group or saving leftovers for later.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper 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.

Switching up burger night keeps things exciting. Korean Burgers bring a little something different to the table with their unique combination of ground beef and bold seasonings. They cook up fast, either on the grill or stovetop, and work well with simple sides. It’s a fun way to shake up a classic.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.

Comfort food doesn’t have to rely on takeout. Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) deliver the same creamy, rich satisfaction as the ones you already love. Paired with noodles or mashed potatoes, they’re ideal for dinner or a special treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

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-pot meals always save time in the kitchen. Taco Soup is a quick, hearty dinner that uses ground beef and pantry staples. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand, and it’s great for leftovers. Add some toppings for extra texture and enjoy a warm, filling bowl at the table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

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.

Nachos with a beefy twist are always a win. Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos combine cheesy goodness, crispy chips, and well-seasoned beef in one easy recipe. It’s an excellent choice for sharing with friends or keeping it all to yourself. Customizing with your favorite toppings is the best part.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

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.

A filling meal doesn’t need to take hours. Southwest Sweet Potatoes turn simple ingredients into a balanced and hearty dish. Stuffed with seasoned beef, they’re easy to put together for lunch or dinner. They’re also a great way to stretch a small amount of ground beef into a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

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.

Stretch your ground beef and make dinner hearty and filling with Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a layered dish that’s great for feeding a hungry table. This bake is especially handy when feeding a group on a budget. It’s quick to prep and works great for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with ground meat, diced vegetables, and sauce in a toasted hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring some nostalgia to the table with Sloppy Joe as an easy go-to favorite. It’s messy, flavorful, and perfect inside soft buns. A little ground beef goes a long way here when sauced up just right. Serve it with fries or chips for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

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.

Feed a crowd without breaking the bank by making Homemade Lasagna, a timeless classic. It stretches ground beef between stacks of goodness to keep everyone happy. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day. This one is perfect for a gathering or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Switch up your salad game by trying Copycat Big Mac Salad for something a little different. It’s got all the familiar flavors of an iconic meal, minus the bun. Plus, it uses simple ingredients and turns them into something exciting. Keeps your meals light while still being filling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

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.

Make life easier with one-pan meals like Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies. Bite-sized portions make it fun, while veggies on the side keep it balanced. Clean-up is easy, making it a win for dinner any night. This is perfect for when you don’t want to fuss with too many dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Cheeseburger Soup

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

Keep your dinners warm and cozy with Cheeseburger Soup on the menu. It takes everything you love about a burger and transforms it into a rich soup. Great for chilly evenings or when you want something simple. It’s a clever way to stretch ingredients, no doubt.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

Busy weeknights are no problem when you make Cattle Drive Casserole to keep things simple and hearty. Packed all in one dish, it’s comforting and feeds a crowd on a budget. The layers make it feel special, even on regular nights. Bonus, it’s easy to tweak to suit everyone’s taste.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

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.
Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner basically makes itself with Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf saving you time and effort. It’s a fun twist on two popular dinner ideas. Leave it to cook all day and enjoy a meal that’s ready when you are. It’s great for busy schedules or meal prep days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

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.

Make mealtime fun with easy-to-share Big Mac Sliders when you want something quick and shareable. Small yet packed with flavor, they make sliders the star of the table. These are great for feeding a crowd or just keeping things simple. Easy to assemble and fun to eat for sure.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac 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.

Comfort food comes easy with Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole giving you an effortless dinner. With layers of hearty ingredients, it’s as simple as it is filling. Great for busy weekdays or slow weekends alike. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser across the board.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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.

Build a classic, no-fail dinner with an easy-to-make Cheeseburger any night of the week. It’s an easy fix that never goes out of style. Add your favorite toppings and make it your own every time. Dinner doesn’t always need to be complicated, right?
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Spice up your homemade menu with an easy, fun option like Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s an easy way to recreate a fast-food favorite at home. The layers inside make it all worth it when you dig in. Plus, it’s portable and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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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