Lean ground beef is a grocery store classic and a versatile protein for the entire family! Here are some of our best quick and easy ground beef dinner ideas and recipes for the next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef.
Ground beef has many benefits.
- It’s affordable. Ground beef is one of the cheapest meats you can buy.
- Everyone in the family will be happy with this kid-friendly protein!
- It’s healthy in moderation (beef is packed with protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12).
- Ground beef can be the perfect addition in recipes that incorporate other important food groups, especially vegetables. There are many ways to use ground beef (not just hamburgers).
The recipes on this list are not only good for you, but also tasty and satisfying.
These delicious recipes are guaranteed to be enjoyed by everyone – kids and picky eaters included!
Classic Ground Beef Recipes
These classic ground beef recipes are the nostalgic ground beef dinners from your childhood. These will make you feel like you’re right back at your childhood dinner table, but with upgraded flavor.
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Ground Beef Stroganoff (pictured above)
- Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Blue Cheese Burger
Ground Beef Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Some of our favorite ground beef recipes are these hearty and cozy soups. These soups are great for meal prep and are perfect for busy weeknights.
Ground Beef Casseroles and Pastas
There is something about ground beef and pasta that screams comfort food. These easy recipes are just that.
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Zucchini Lasagna (pictured above)
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes
Serving ground beef for dinner is a quick way to make the kids at the table happy.
- Hamburger Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Homemade Hamburger Helper (pictured above; ditch the boxed mix for this kid-friendly homemade version packed with creamy flavor)
- Crockpot Meatballs
Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
- Mexican Casserole (pictured above)
- Taco Skillet
- Taco Pasta
Asian-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
These healthy ground beef recipes draw from Asian flavors like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.
- Cabbage Stir Fry
- Korean Beef Bowl (pictured above)
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are easy, healthy, and delicious. They can be seasoned any which way and you are free to add whatever is in the fridge; hello weeknight dinner! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef in many of my stuffed pepper recipes.
- Greek Stuffed Peppers (pictured above)
- Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Classic Stuffed Peppers
Freezing and Thawing Ground Beef
Ground beef is freezer friendly, so the next time it’s on sale, stock up.
- Ground beef can be frozen for 4 months. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground beef can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. But, I recommend using the meat within 4 months.
- To Freeze. Place the package of ground beef in an airtight, freezer-safe container. For extra protection, wrap the meat in plastic or freezer paper, followed by a layer of foil. Then place inside an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- To Thaw. Let thaw in the refrigerator. Once defrosted, ground beef can safely stay in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Tools for Ground Beef Recipes
- Casserole Dish. Perfect for making many of these easy ground beef dinner recipes.
- Cast Iron Skillet. This skillet is versatile and will last a lifetime.
- Chef’s Knife. Everyone needs a good, sharp knife. This one is great for chopping the veggies in many of the delicious ground beef dinner recipes.
- Mixing Bowls. These Pyrex mixing bowls are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
- Air Fryer. This is the one I own and love. Perfect for the Air Fryer Hamburgers.
- Slow Cooker. Perfect for all those soups, stews, and chilis.
- Instant Pot. The Instant Pot truly can do it all.
- Dutch Oven. Ideal for anything from roasting, baking, frying, and more. I also like this more affordable option too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground beef is healthy in moderation. Ground beef is packed with protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. If possible, opt for a leaner ground beef (85% or higher).
On most stovetops, a pound of ground beef takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to brown over medium high heat. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
There is no need to rinse ground beef before cooking. Rinsing meat like ground beef and chicken can spread harmful bacteria all around kitchen surfaces.
Draining the excess grease from the ground beef after browning can make the dish slightly healthier, although it is not required in most recipes unless you have a lot of extra grease. The leaner ground beef you choose, the less grease you’ll have. Remember to discard of your grease correctly, and not down the sink drain!
I am sorry but I was looking through your site and I know you want to make money but the ads kill it if we cant see the recipes then we leave sorry again
I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience the ads caused you, Vicki! I will certainly keep paying close attention to the number of ads and how they load, as I never want them to hinder your ability to view the recipe or the blog post. I do truly appreciate your feedback and apologize again for the inconvenience! Also, there is a quick and convenient “jump to recipe” button that will help you get to the recipe faster and a print button to have the recipe quickly at your fingertips. Hope this helps!