This collection of ground beef recipes has got it all— soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, burgers, tacos, and more. If you’ve got some ground hamburger handy, you’ll always have something yummy on the dinner table!
Ground beef is a true protein champion! It’s incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. Plus, you can use ground beef in a wide variety of recipes, from classic American dishes to spicy Mexican, tasty Italian favorites, and authentic Lebanese recipes, too. These hamburger meat recipes showcase how delicious ground beef is.
Image Credit: Dina-Saeed/Istockphoto.
Why You Should Make More Recipes with Ground Beef
- Easy and quick protein. If I’m ever in that dinner rush haze, chances are, I’m reaching for one of my easy ground beef recipes. Next to frozen fish, ground beef cooks fast and conveniently in the same pot as the meal itself, which means less dishes to wash.
- Versatile flavors and uses. Is there anything ground beef cannot do? From hearty appetizers to complete meals with ground beef, this kitchen favorite is a workhorse that keeps on delivering (…tasty meals, that is).
- A family favorite. Not everyone is on board with shrimp spaghetti, but I’ve yet to meet a child who refuses spaghetti and meatballs. The bottom line is that these simple ground beef recipes are family favorites, and for good reason. They’re satisfying, delicious, and easy to make.
Image Credit: VladimirPB/Istockphoto.
Budget Tips for Ground Beef Recipes
- Buy in bulk when it goes on sale. Ground beef is a store favorite to place on sale, so when you see a good deal, stock up. Then, you can do a little planning and divide the ground beef into smaller meal-sized portions and freeze during a meal prep session.
- Make one-pot ground beef recipes on nights when you don’t feel like doing much. Prepare dishes that call for just a handful of ingredients and cook them all in one pot or pan. This saves on ingredients and reduces the time and effort spent on cleanup.
- Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover ground beef into delicious dishes like tacos, stuffed peppers, or shepherd’s pie to avoid food waste and save money. Many of these ground beef dinner ideas use the same ground beef foundation so start there and repurpose your protein.
- Serve with filling sides. Meals with ground beef pair well with options like rice, potatoes, and pasta, so incorporate them into the dish or serve your beef over them for a satisfying meal.
Image Credit: sergeyryzhov/istockphoto.
Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Choose lean ground beef for most recipes. Leaner meat means less fat and a cleaner taste. It also means you can skip draining grease for one less step.
- Brown it well. Cook the ground beef until it turns a delicious brown color. This makes it taste better and gives it a nice texture. Make sure to stir occasionally for even browning.
- Drain if necessary. If you want a richer, beefier flavor, you may opt to use a high-fat ratio. That’s just fine! You’ll just want to take the extra step of draining the fat after browning your ground beef and before adding your other ingredients.
- Use a meat thermometer. For recipes like burgers and meatballs, where the meat is pressed into a loaf, it’s important to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 160°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
Image Credit: slovegrove/Istockphoto.
Best Recipes With Ground Beef
Here are some recipe ideas featuring ground beef. With its versatility, you can make all kinds of tasty dishes. Start your meal with flavorful beefy appetizers, create quick and easy dinners, and try out other hamburger meat recipes that are absolutely worth the effort!
Image Credit: Wiktory/Istockphoto.
Ground Beef Basics
Before we get to the actual meals to make with ground beef, one has to know how to properly cook it so it’s tender, juicy, and delicious. Although it’s pretty easy to cook ground beef, it’s equally easy to overcook it and make it rubbery and unappetizing. The key is to cook it over medium heat and stirring often until it’s no longer pink. But for more specifics, check out these simple ground beef recipes that will be the foundational building blocks for more delicious meals in this collection.
Image Credit: vinicef/Istockphoto.
Ground Beef Appetizer Ideas
We are all very familiar with complete meals with ground beef, but don’t underestimate the versatility of this common kitchen staple. Ground beef makes an excellent source of protein for small bites and appetizers to kick start your meal.
Image Credit: Magrig/istockphoto.
Hummus with Ground Beef
This Hummus with Ground Beef recipe is a simple, authentic and popular Middle Eastern meal – easy to make with your favorite hummus, beef and pine nuts!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Kibbeh Balls
These traditional fried Lebanese kibbeh balls are a delicious appetizer made with bulgur wheat and seasoned ground beef and onions filling!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These easy Air Fryer Meatballs are ready in a jiffy with easy instructions and basic ingredients to serve for dinner or as an appetizer.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)
These Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab) are made with a spiced ground beef and rice mixture – a delicious Mediterranean dish commonly served as an appetizer!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lebanese Meat Pies
These Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas) are a delicious Middle Eastern appetizer. Made with a crispy dough and filled with a spiced meat filling.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Try this authentic Lebanese styled Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – also known as Malfouf – with step-by-step easy instructions to cook the recipe!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Quick and easy to make, these Lebanese meat stuffed pitas are one delicious recipe! These beef arayes are ready to enjoy in minutes and every bite is truly tasty!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Soups and Stews with Ground Beef
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein in soups, stews, and chilis. It perfectly takes on whatever seasonings you use, and it’s incredibly easy to incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a spicy chili or a comforting bowl of stew to cozy up to, meals with ground beef offer rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Image Credit: Angelika Heine/istockphoto.
Kafta and Potato Stew
This traditional Lebanese kafta and potato stew is a hearty meal that the whole family will love! Seasoned patties/meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce for a healthy and delicious meal.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lebanese Spinach Stew
Try this authentic Lebanese style Spinach stew made with simple ingredients; it’s wholesome, well-balanced and perfect to feed a large family
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lasagna Soup
This one-pot lasagna soup recipe is comfort in a bowl. Made with lasagna noodles, ground beef and a delicious spice blend it’s lasagna in soup form!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Easy Ravioli Soup
Very similar to Lasagna Soup, this kid friendly Easy Ravioli Soup is a meat lover’s hearty comforting meal-in-a-bowl recipe that’s ready in about 30 minutes
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Mexican Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Tacos, burritos, salads, and more! Ground beef has saved my rush-hour dinner more times than I can count. It’s a versatile, quick-cooking protein that can be used in many recipes with minimal effort. But it really shines in Mexican-inspired dishes. Mexican cuisine is rich in beefy goodness, and I love how ground beef absorbs all the bold, vibrant flavors. These Mexican meals with ground beef are family favorites that I make over and over without fail.
Image Credit: ALLEKO/istockphoto.
Ground Beef Tacos
These Ground Beef Tacosare filled with juicy flavorful taco meat made with my homemade taco seasoning – it’s an easy weeknight recipe for the whole family!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Ground Beef Burritos
Ground Beef Burritos are a family favorite and a easy weeknight meal to throw together that is full of flavor and texture!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Taco Salad Meal Prep
This Taco Salad Meal Prep is a healthy way to change up your meals with a Tex Mex inspired salad bowl filled with taco beef, lettuce, salsa and guacamole!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
These healthy taco stuffed peppers are a great low-carb dinner recipe for weeknight meals. They’re easy to make, so filling and customizable!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Bell Pepper Nachos
These easy bell pepper nachos are a great low carb alternative to your favorite Mexican appetizer. Easy to make and ready to serve in 30 minutes.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Sheet Pan Nachos
This easy Sheet Pan Nacho recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with beef, beans, and cheese and is loaded with all your favorite nacho toppings.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lebanese Meals to Make with Ground Beef
Lebanese recipes are near and dear to me. Whether staples found in many Middle Eastern homes or cherished childhood favorites, these simple ground beef recipes will take you and your taste buds to the Mediterranean, offering rich, bold, and aromatic flavors in every bite.
Image Credit: Vladimir Mironov/istockphoto.
Mediterranean Ground Beef & Rice
This Mediterranean Ground Beef and Rice dish is made with chickpeas and full of flavor. It’s a quick, easy-to-make one pot meal the whole family will love!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lebanese Potato Souffle
Lebanese Potato Souffle is the ultimate comfort food with whipped mashed potatoes, spiced beef filling, and crispy breadcrumbs on top!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Hashweh
Quick and easy to make this traditional Lebanese Hashweh is made with simple ingredients and is wonderfully spiced and flavorful. Perfect on it’s own with pita or a great stuffing for lots of mains.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Beef Kafta
This is a Lebanese style Beef Kafta recipe that’s made with ground beef, parsley, onions and a blend of Middle Eastern spices- perfect on the grill or stove
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Baked Kibbeh
Baked Kibbeh is a quintessential Lebanese recipe that is popular throughout the Middle East – made with beef, cracked wheat, onion and spices
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce
Kibbeh in yogurt sauce is a comforting & popular Middle Eastern recipe. This is an authentic Lebanese recipe from my mom that’s easy to follow
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Easy Eggplant Moussaka
This Easy Eggplant Moussaka recipe is a quick version of the Greek dish made with layers of eggplant and spiced ground beef and topped with a bechamel sauce
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Shish Barak
This authentic Lebanese Shish Barak is a delicious Middle Eastern comfort food of homemade spiced meat dumplings in creamy yogurt sauce.
Image Credit: .
Kousa (Stuffed Squash)
This authentic Kousa recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with a spiced beef & rice mixture stuffed in squash and cooked in a garlicky tomato broth!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Pasta Meals with Ground Beef
Pasta and ground beef are a great pair! These two go together with their complementary textures and flavors, offering you a total comfort food that can be a simple weeknight meal or a fancy weekend dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Bolognese or baked spaghetti dish, these ground beef dinner ideas will satisfy every craving.
Image Credit: robynmac/istockphoto.
Pasta Bolognese
Pasta Bolognese is a classic Italian dish where al dente pasta meets a hearty ground beef sauce, slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a flavorful experience.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef pasta is a favorite family meal and is easy to make in just a few steps. You can’t go wrong with meat, sauce, pasta, and cheese!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Easy Baked Spaghetti
This Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a cheesy vegetarian pasta casserole dish that’s simple to make, requiring only one pan in the oven, and a family favorite meal.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Macarona Bechamel
Macarona Bechamel is a baked comfort food favorite with layers of pasta, creamy bechamel & a Middle Eastern spiced ground beef tomato sauce.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
This Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is full of juicy, tender and delicious meatballs- it’s a wholesome, hearty and easy dinner for the whole family.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Lasagna Recipes with Ground Beef
Another classic pairing is lasagna noodles with ground beef. This duo creates a rich and hearty dish that layers flavors and textures in the most delicious way. Plus, lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser, conveniently feeds a large group, and is freezer-friendly. It’s the ultimate one-pan wonder that makes dinner time easy and delicious! So next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef, keep lasagna in mind! Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Image Credit: soponbiz/istockphoto.
Sheet Pan Lasagna
This Sheet Pan lasagna is a quick, delicious twist on the classic. Made on a sheet pan with a meaty marinara sauce and topped with creamy spinach ricotta.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Greek Yogurt Lasagna
This healthy lasagna recipe without ricotta cheese is a wholesome dinner with layers of tangy, creamy Greek yogurt filling, beefy marinara, pasta, and melty cheese.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Homemade Lasagna
This homemade lasagna recipe is an easy meal made with a meat tomato sauce and layered with ricotta and mozzarella cheese then baked until golden and bubbly
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna feeds your craving for lasagna without the pasta – it’s a low carb, gluten-free and keto friendly recipe!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
If you’re scrambling to get a protein-packed meal on the kitchen table quickly, you know these ground beef dinner ideas will save the day. They’re satisfying, delicious, and quick to make (because ground beef cooks incredibly quickly!). Thanks to these super easy hamburger meat recipes, you can feed your family faster than you can grab takeout.
Image Credit: DenisMArt/istockphoto.
Unstuffed Peppers
This unstuffed peppers bowl is loaded with flavor and is a great well balanced meal. With all the flavors of stuffed peppers, but so much quicker to make!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Beef Stuffed Peppers
This Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe is a complete meal made w/ ground beef, rice, onions, tomato sauce & Mediterranean spices – an easy weeknight family dinner
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Quick, 5 minute, juicy Air Fryer Ground Beef Burgers – This air fryer burger recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes amazing!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Homemade Hamburgers
These really are the best homemade beef hamburgers! Wonderfully juicy and perfectly seasoned, they take minutes to make and are quick to grill.
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Avocado Burger
Quick and easy to make, this grilled avocado burger is juicy and full of flavor. Top it with avocado crema and add it to your summer barbecue!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Beef Lettuce Wraps
These tasty beef lettuce wraps are simple to make and ready to serve in less than 10 minutes. Loaded with flavor, they are a great appetizer!
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
Stuffed Eggplant
This authentic Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a my family’s popular Lebanese dish made with a spiced beef & rice stuffing and cooked in a garlicky tomato broth!
Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that opens up a world of delicious possibilities in the kitchen. From classic burgers to comforting casseroles, international favorites, and family recipes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight meals or impressive dishes to serve at gatherings, these simple ground beef recipes are your perfect go-to options!
This article originally appeared on Feelgoodfoodie.net and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Image Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net.
More from MediaFeed
Pho vs Ramen: Do You Really Know the Difference?
Image Credit: Mizina/Istockphoto.
