49 Ground Beef Recipes People Love for No-Thinking Dinners

Not every night is made for complicated cooking, and 49 ground beef recipes work when you want dinner on autopilot. Keeping things easy is important for busy routines. Even weeknights get a boost from a no-thinking dinner plan. Switching things up just takes a simple recipe and a short list of ingredients.

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.

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.

Thick sauce and hearty noodles make this Spaghetti Bolognese a classic standby that’s always a hit when dinnertime feels rushed. Saucy bites bring instant comfort on busy nights at home. I put out extra bowls when friends drop in, knowing this meal sparks good conversation. People always seem to clean their plates before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

Neat portions and built-in sides help this Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies shine when you crave something cozy yet simple. Each little loaf pairs beautifully with colorful vegetables. I love how little cleanup there is after everything bakes together. Plates are always wiped clean by the end.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Cowboy Casserole

Hearty layers inside this Cowboy Casserole make it a go-to for nights with big appetites and not much time. Every spoonful packs meat, crunch, and a little creamy goodness for extra warmth. I set it on the table for movie marathons or game nights. Empty dishes always tell you it’s a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

Cheesy layers and rich sauce transform this Million Dollar Spaghetti into a dinner that always feels like a big reward at the end of long days. Meal prep is simple, but the result looks planned for something special. I bake up a double batch for leftovers the next day. People never stop talking about the creamy surprise in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Sweetness from the potato and the messiness of the filling set these Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes apart from the regular version. The combo adds a twist that keeps everyone curious at the table. I reach for this recipe when I want the comfort of Sloppy Joes without the usual bread. Second helpings are pretty much always requested.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Cheeseburger Casserole

All the flavors of your favorite burger come together in this Cheeseburger Casserole, only without the bun. Tender pasta bakes with savory ground beef and cheese in every bite. I assemble it for family suppers because it works for even the pickiest eaters. The pan disappears almost as quickly as it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger 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.

Mini buns and bold toppings let these Cowboy Sliders pack a punch for casual get-togethers or after-school snacks. Each burger feels like a mini adventure for your plate. I stack up extras so guests can grab seconds with ease. Lots of hands always reach in for another.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

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.

Crispy edges and juicy centers help this Juicy Copycat Smash Burger rival the taste of your favorite burger joint right at home. The smell of cooking burgers brings laughter and excitement into the kitchen. I flatten the patties thin for lots of flavor in every bite. Everyone loves building their own burger just the way they want it.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Copycat Smash Burger

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.

Saucy noodles and melted cheese join together in this Spaghetti Casserole, making a crowd-pleasing meal for busy evenings. It comes to the table hot and bubbling, ready for serving after a long day. I divide leftovers into lunch boxes for easy next-day meals. There are rarely any leftovers to stash, though.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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.

Flavors you know from takeout favorites land in this Egg Roll in a Bowl, a fun twist for nights you want something bold but quick. Crunchy veggies mix with beef for a low-fuss dinner. I throw this together when everyone wants takeout style without leaving home. Even first-timers go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges. — Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Southwestern flavors meet cool, creamy pasta in this Taco Pasta Salad, turning any meal into a party. Tossed together fast, it keeps things light but never boring. I pack it for potlucks since it travels well and looks colorful on the table. Someone always requests the recipe by the end of lunch.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

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.

Cheesy, gooey and bubbling, this Pizza Casserole brings everyone to the table fast when pizza cravings strike at home. Each scoop reveals a mash-up of toppings and pasta. I make this in big pans for game nights or laid-back dinners. Kids and adults all want a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Taco Salad

Bright toppings and crunchy layers make this Taco Salad a lasting favorite for nights when you’re after flavor without a lot of fuss. Customizing your own bowl adds a fun touch. I set out bowls of toppings, and people line up. Smiles show up as soon as the first forkful lands.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Cheeseburger

Gooey cheese and juicy beef put this Cheeseburger among the top picks when classic comfort is the answer to any question. Searing them at home guarantees a fresh, hot meal every time. I prep fixings so everyone can build their own. Guests rate them as better than most takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the best parts of classic peppers show up in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole, which skips the fuss and keeps all the flavor. Hearty grains blend with beef in bite after bite. I pull this recipe for cool nights when only something hot will do. Not a crumb stays behind once dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Bite-sized burgers make these Hamburger Sliders perfect for parties or family movie nights at home. Every mini sandwich brings a stack of flavor in just a couple of bites. I double the batch for gatherings, making sure nobody is left waiting. Platters are empty long before the credits roll.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Sliders

Stuffed Cabbage

Tender leaves rolled around a comforting filling make this Stuffed Cabbage a classic for anyone craving old-fashioned comfort at dinnertime. Each piece feels like a hug on your plate. I portion extras for reheating during the week. No one complains about leftovers here.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

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.

Warm spice and layers of cheese fill this Beef Enchilada Casserole with the coziness needed for an easy night in. Each spoonful comes loaded with sauce and beef. I find it disappears fast, whether you have a big group or just a few at the table. There’s always talk about how good the leftovers taste.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

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.

Luxurious layers of sauce, beef, and potato give this Beef Moussaka a reputation as worth every minute it takes. The result feels like restaurant fare right out of your own oven. I prepare it on evenings when I want to slow down and enjoy every bite. Leftovers develop even deeper flavor by the next day.
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.

Fast food meets home kitchen with this Big Mac Crunchwrap, a playful twist for burger lovers who like extra crunch. Layers tuck inside a crisp shell that holds everything together. I assemble these for sleepovers or lunch parties since everyone wants their own. More than once, guests ask for the secret sauce recipe.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

Hearty, filling, and layered to feed a crowd, this Cattle Drive Casserole stands out during the busiest weeks. Meaty goodness and creamy topping offer double the comfort. I bake up a big pan for events so nobody goes home hungry. People always ask if there’s enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive 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.

Classic burger flavor lands in a bowl with this Cheeseburger Soup, which warms you up much faster than any drive-thru meal. Creamy soup pairs perfectly with a slice of bread on the side. I use it for weeknight dinners that call for a change of pace. Bowls are scraped clean before you even notice.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

Playful spirals with all your favorite toppings make these Big Mac Pinwheels a hit for kids and grown-ups alike. Each bite-sized roll-up brings out all the classic flavors. I serve them as party snacks or easy lunches. They vanish quickly thanks to the familiar, crowd-pleasing taste.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Pinwheels

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.

Layers of beef and spices tuck into this Cheesy Taco Casserole to create a dish that feels like taco night made easy. Melted cheese and bold flavor make every bite feel special. I slice it into big squares to feed a hungry group. Seconds are basically guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Casserole

Loaded 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. — Loaded Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bright colors and hearty toppings let these Loaded Southwest Sweet Potatoes break the routine of basic ground beef dinners. Cool sauces bring the flavors together. I pop these in the oven for nights when I want something cheerful. Every potato gets scraped clean in record time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Twists of pasta and spicy beef fuse together in this Beef Enchilada Tortellini, making dinner a little more fun. This clever mashup changes up a typical casserole night. I mix up a double batch if friends are stopping by. Most are surprised by how well the flavors blend.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Sloppy Joe Casserole

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.

All the saucy, messy flavor you remember from childhood lands in this Sloppy Joe Casserole for a quick meal everyone loves. Cheesy bread soaks up every drop. I choose this dish for comfort-focused potlucks. There’s a good chance you won’t have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe 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.

Cozy spices and a juicy loaf make this Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf a go-to choice for weeknights when you want dinner to cook itself. The slices are full of flavor and comfort. I freeze extras for lunches on busy days. Friends can’t wait to try a slab hot out of the pot.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Salisbury Steak

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

Rich brown gravy poured over juicy patties turns this Salisbury Steak into an instant comfort meal. It brings back memories of classic diner dinners. I pair it with mashed potatoes to soak up all the goodness. There’s always talk at the table about how fulfilling it is.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

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.

Stacked layers of noodles and meat give this Layered Homemade Lasagna a place at family tables all over the country. Bubbling cheese on top signals the meal is ready. I put together two pans every time I make it so there’s enough to enjoy an extra piece later. Nobody leaves the table unsatisfied.
Get the Recipe: Layered Homemade Lasagna

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.

Crispy shells stuffed with beef and melted cheese keep these Baked Beef Tacos at the top of any dinner list. Each taco stands up tall out of the oven, making serving simple. I offer a bar of toppings so everyone can build their own. The last one is always claimed fast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

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.

Bright toppings and bold flavor stack up high in these Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos, built for hands-on fun with friends. Every chip gets a little of everything. I throw these on the counter for movie marathons. No chip ever survives the first round.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

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.

Bold sauce and classic burger flavor team up in this Big Mac Sloppy Joe, a mashup made for people who can’t decide between two favorites. Every bite feels familiar but adds a little surprise. I serve this on buns or over fries at game time. Everyone lines up when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

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.

Pizza night gets a twist with this Loaded Taco Pizza topped with all your usual taco favorites and then some. Cheesy, spicy, and baked until bubbly, it’s a guaranteed hit for all ages. I slice it into big pieces so people can pile on more toppings. Conversations pause once the first bites begin.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Taco Pizza

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.

Sweet heat and savory crunch give these Korean Burgers huge flavor without extra fuss. The seasoning keeps dinner exciting and different. I set up an array of toppings so everyone can get creative. Curiosity about the recipe always pops up at the end of mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.

Root veggies and bites of ground beef simmer together in this Hamburger Soup, a warming meal for nights that could use a little extra comfort. Broth ties everything together for a cozy finish. I pour big bowls to warm everyone up. Seconds fly out of the pot before the soup even cools.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Cowboy Queso Dip

A tortilla chip is dipped into a skillet of cheesy ground beef and tomato dip, with melted cheese stretching between the chip and the dip. — Cowboy Queso Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, meaty, and loaded for dipping, this Cowboy Queso Dip brings a party mood to any living room gathering. Thick chips stand up best to all the cheesy goodness. I put this out for sports nights when you want something reliable and hearty. Nobody can walk past without grabbing another dip.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Queso Dip

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.

Pasta night and burger night team up for this Cheeseburger Pasta, which wins over both picky and adventurous eaters. Every noodle carries beefy, cheesy goodness. I toss in pickles or extra toppings for extra fun. Half the table goes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Crunch, spice, and plenty of fillings make this Crunchwrap Supreme a dinner that puts fast food to shame at home. Crisped up in the pan, it holds everything together for easy eating. I let everyone build their own, creating all sorts of combos. Not a scrap is left on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

Speedy cooking and thick sauce come together with this Instant Pot Spaghetti for nights when patience runs low but flavor still matters. Serving is simple since everything cooks in one pot. I mix up extra to take for lunch at work. The leftovers go just as fast as dinner itself.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti

Cabbage Rolls

Savory beef tucked into cabbage leaves delivers old-school comfort with this Cabbage Rolls recipe. Each roll bakes up tender and steamy. I make a big tray for family meals or special nights in. Plates are always empty before heading for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

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.

Melty cheese, hearty beef, and crispy tortillas transform these Sheet Pan Quesadillas into a fun dinner built for sharing. The oven does most of the work. I cut them into triangles for a platter-style meal. Pieces disappear before you even plate a second round.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas

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.

Hollowed veggies loaded with beef and flavor mean these Stuffed Zucchini Boats work for light suppers without losing that pleasing touch. Bright colors add a pop to any table. I put out extra boats for instant seconds. Everyone asks about the filling before they even try a bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Three slices of glazed meatloaf are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of brown sauce. — Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homestyle comfort and familiar flavor make this Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf a must-try when regular meatloaf just won’t cut it. The glaze on top is all about nostalgia. I slice thick pieces for the next day’s sandwiches. Generous portions always disappear.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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.

Creamy sauce and tender bites make these Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) an easy dinner choice for anyone after comfort with a twist. Serving them with noodles or rice turns them into a meal you’ll want to repeat. I keep extras for lunch because they reheat perfectly. People are shocked at how close they taste to the real thing.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Sloppy Joe

Saucy, bold, and filling, this Sloppy Joe recipe keeps things simple and brings people to the table without delay. Every bun soaks up flavor in the best way. I share these during snow days or weekends spent inside. Hands always go up for a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Hamburger Casserole

Layers come together fast for this Hamburger Casserole, which solves dinner with one simple bake. It brings all the flavors of a good burger without the grill. I spoon big helpings to fill everyone up fast. Not a crumb will be left in the pan.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Meatloaf

Rich, moist, and covered in a classic glaze, this Meatloaf captures the heart of American comfort food. Slicing thick pieces makes it perfect for dinner or next-day leftovers. I serve it with creamy potatoes for a real classic. Everyone raves about how good it tastes at any temperature.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

Big Mac Sliders

Tiny burgers stacked with all the fixings keep these Big Mac Sliders in high demand for parties and weeknight dinners. Popping them in your mouth is half the fun. I arrange them on platters for easy sharing. Friends snap photos before even taking a bite.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

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.