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50+ Easy Ground Beef Recipes

These easy ground beef recipes are dinner favorites! Hamburger is hearty, versatile and easy to use in recipes. Stock up on ground beef and always knows what for dinner with these delicious ideas.

Got a pack of turkey instead? Make one of these easy ground turkey recipes or try one of these easy pasta ideas!

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Ground Beef: It’s What for Dinner

One of the main ingredients you will always find in my freezer, if not in the refrigerator, is ground beef. It is so versatile and can make a multitude of dishes from around the world.

You can make pasta, soup, casserole, chili, or tacos. It can be shaped into a meatloaf, patty, or ball. I can whip up a full meals with ground beef, a bit of seasoning, and a bit of finesse.

Some of my favorite meals come from the easy ground beef recipes below, many of which are are kid-friendly and come together super quickly. We have even turned taco meat into a weekly taco night, where everyone gets to make their own tacos. Super fun.

I also always keep a batch of homemade meatballs in the freezer for a fast meal in a pinch. The opportunities are endless when it comes to ways to make ground beef recipes your very own.

Type of Ground Beef to Buy

You may have noticed that ground beef is sold in different types, typically classified by the amount of beef to fat ratio. I prefer a leaner grind like 85/15 or 90/10 when making a casserole or meatloaf, while a hamburger benefits from a bit more fat like an 80/20 grind.

Here is a breakdown of the types of ground beef you may see and what each of them means.

  • 80/20: (80% lean meat and 20% fat) usually comes from ground chuck
  • 85/15: (80% lean meat and 15% fat) usually comes from often ground round
  • 90/10: (90% lean meat and 10% fat) usually comes from usually ground sirloin

Expert Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef

  • If using a fattier grind but need a leaner beef for a recipe, you can opt to rinse the cooked beef to help remove some of the fat.
  • Keep ground beef cold until ready to cook. Freshly-ground beef will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Buy the freshest ground beef by checking the expiration date but also the color. You want the meat to be pretty pink with no signs of greying.
  • Ground beef can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in a ground beef recipe. I always keep a couple pounds on hand to make a quick dinner, if needed.

FAQs

What is the secret to cooking ground beef?

There are few tips from what pan to use to sprinkling the ground beef with baking soda! To achieve a good sear on your beef, use a hot cast iron or stainless steel pan. Let the meat brown up to 5 minutes before touching it to stir.

If you don’t have those types of pans, don’t fret! Use the Tik Tok hack of sprinkling 1/4 tsp of baking soda over one pound of ground beef. Baking soda prevents the proteins in the beef from bonding, resulting in less moisture releasing and beautiful browned meat!

What is the difference between ground beef and hamburger meat?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference. Ground beef can only be made using the fat from meat trimmings. For example, if a processor makes ground beef with 30% fat, the meat trimmings must also contain 30% and so forth. Hamburger meat on the other hand can use any beef fat.

Is it more budget friendly to buy or make ground beef?

While grinding your own meat is more budget friendly and ensures you have the freshest meat possible, it is a bit more time consuming than just buying a package at the store.

What are three grades of ground beef?

According to the USDA beef grades are USDA Prime, choice, select, standard, commercial, utility and cutter. Prime, choice and select are the top grades that we as consumers both recognize and purchase.

Easy Hamburger Recipes with Ground Beef

I can’t tell you how much I love a good hamburger, and there is nothing like using a homemade patty because you get to choose the seasoning. The toppings are just a bonus and can be anything from bacon to pineapple. Have fun with your food.

Baked hamburger on a white plate with fries.
  • Hamburger Recipe. This classic burger is made with my secret ingredient (BBQ sauce), which makes it so flavorful and just the best.
  • EASY Baked Hamburgers. Skip the grill during the colder months and make your burgers in the oven.
  • Teriyaki Burger. You may think pineapple on a burger sounds strange, but it all comes down to how good it tastes, trust me.
  • Cheeseburger Sliders. These cute little burgers are always a hit at parties or game days.
  • Lettuce Wrap Burger. The patty on this ground beef recipe is so flavorful, you will forget there isn’t a bun.
  • Easy Salisbury Steak. Classic comfort food with ground beef ‘steaks’ smothered in a mushroom gravy.

Easy Ground Beef Soup Recipes

Ground beef is made for soups of all kinds, but is so often overlooked. Not anymore. These ground beef recipes are so comforting and are guaranteed to make you forget all about chicken.

Albondigas soup in a white bowl.

Chili Ground Beef Recipes

Chili and ground beef are simply meant to be, and there are so many different ways to make this one-pot meal. Here are a few of my favorite easy ground beef recipes for chili. I typically find chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make the night before you plan on eating.

Wendy's chili in a white bowl with spoon.

Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipes

Not only are casseroles a great way to serve a group, but they are also a favorite for freezing and baking later. Try one (or all) of these easy ground beef recipes for casseroles and you won’t be disappointed.

Lasagna sliced in white baking dish.

Ground Beef Meatball Recipes

There is so much to love about a meatball, especially one that is homemade and jam-packed with flavor. I make extra batches of these homemade meatballs and freeze them if I am ever craving a meatball sub, meatball sliders, or one of the soups mentioned above.

A spoonful of porcupine meatballs.

Mexican Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner

It’s no secret how much I love Mexican food, so it makes sense I would have an entire section devoted to all the ways you can use ground beef to make amazing Mexican dishes.

burrito bowl

Stovetop Meals with Ground Beef

The ease of making a meal on the stovetop can’t be underestimated. It is typically quick and comes with less clean up than a lot of other cooking. Here are a few of my top ground beef recipes to make on the stove.

Goulash in a white bowl.

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A collage of photos with easy ground beef recipes.

Ground Beef

5 from 3 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
From classics like meatloaf and burgers to family favorites like lasagna and tacos, these easy ground beef recipes will make dinner any night of the week a breeze.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef (*see notes for types)
  • Kosher salt , to taste
  • Ground black pepper , to taste

Instructions

  • Choose what type of ground beef to use depending on what recipe you are making (*see notes).
  • Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
  • Use as instructed in one of the 50+ recipes listed above. Enjoy!

Notes

Type of Ground Beef: You may have noticed that ground beef is sold in different types, typically classified by the amount of beef to fat ratio. I prefer a leaner grind like 85/15 or 90/10 when making a casserole or meatloaf, while a hamburger benefits from a bit more fat like an 80/20 grind.
Here is a breakdown of the types of ground beef you may see and what each of them means.
  • 80/20: (80% lean meat and 20% fat) usually comes from ground chuck
  • 85/15: (80% lean meat and 15% fat) usually comes from often ground round
  • 90/10: (90% lean meat and 10% fat) usually comes from usually ground sirloin
Expert Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef
  • If using a fattier grind but need a leaner beef for a recipe, you can opt to rinse the cooked beef to help remove some of the fat.
  • Keep ground beef cold until ready to cook. 
  • Buy the freshest ground beef by checking the expiration date but also the color. You want the meat to be pretty pink with no signs of greying.
Storage: Freshly-ground beef will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
Freeze: Ground beef can be frozen up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in a ground beef recipe. I always keep a couple pounds on hand to make a quick dinner, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Protein: 23g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 364mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

The Full List of Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the easy ground beef recipes mentioned above.

cheeseburger soup in white bowl
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This cheeseburger soup is thick and hearty made with ground beef, carrots, celery, tender potatoes and plenty of cheese.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
chili in a white bowl with tortilla chips and cheese
Easy Chili Recipe
This 3-ingredient chili recipe is made in 30 minutes or less! Thick, hearty and filled with flavor. This is the perfect easy soup recipe for fall! 
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
swedish meatballs
Swedish Meatball Recipe
Moist and tender Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy gravy sauce. These flavorful meatballs make a delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.  
Total Time: 50 minutes
Read more
baked spaghetti being dished out of pan
Baked Spaghetti
Cheesy and creamy baked spaghetti coated in a delicious meat sauce. Less than 10 ingredients and only 45 minutes to make!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
mozzarella meatballs with marinara and cheese oozing out
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Tender and flavorful homemade meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese. These mozzarella stuffed meatballs are what dreams are made of!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
A close up of a pepperoni meatball with marinara
Pepperoni Meatball Recipe
These pepperoni meatballs have all your favorite pizza flavors in meatball form! They're tender, moist and taste amazing. 
Total Time: 37 minutes
Read more
Taco meat in a cast iron skillet.
Taco Meat Recipe
Make flavorful taco meat in just 15 minutes with this easy 4 ingredient recipe that includes ground beef, onion, homemade taco seasoning and salsa. A ground beef taco is a classic dinner favorite!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
Ground beef tacos stacked in dish.
Ground Beef Tacos
Crispy and delicious tacos filled with homemade taco meat and all your favorite toppings. These easy ground beef tacos are a simple family meal loaded with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
sliced taco braid with tomatoes and lettuce
Taco Braid
A fun spin on taco night, this taco braid is easy to make with a saucy ground beef taco filling and cheese stuffed in braided pizza dough. It's a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
Taco salad recipe in a bowl.
Taco Salad Recipe
Fresh, flavorful and easy taco salad is made with seasoned ground beef, loaded with toppings then served over chopped greens with your favorite salad dressing.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
Baked hamburgers recipe.
Baked Hamburger Recipe
Skip grilling this winter and make these baked hamburgers in the oven. They are easy to make with juicy, flavorful results!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
Spoonful of ground beef casserole.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Noodles in a ground beef marinara sauce, topped with cheddar is exactly what makes ground beef casserole a family favorite comfort food for easy weeknight dinners!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
Mexican lasagna on a white plate.
Mexican Lasagna
Easy Mexican lasagna with layers of tortillas, taco seasoned ground beef, beans, melted cheese and corn. This casserole is a family favorite that is full of savory flavor!
Total Time: 50 minutes
Read more
taco casserole
Taco Casserole
This taco casserole is made with layers of tortilla chips, ground beef and cheese then baked to perfection. Top with your favorite toppings for an easy dinner the whole family will love!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
This ONE POT cheesy enchilada pasta recipe is so simple and completely delicious. It's done in 30 minutes from start to finish and is a family favorite!
One Pot Enchilada Pasta Recipe
This one pot cheesy enchilada pasta is made with cheese, beef, enchilada sauce and pasta for an easy weeknight dinner! It's a family favorite that is packed full of flavor.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Sloppy joe on a white plate.
Sloppy Joe Recipe
A nostalgic, economical and easy recipe that feeds the whole family. These easy sloppy joe recipe is hearty, savory and have the best flavor!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Goulash in a white pot with wooden spoon.
Easy Goulash Recipe
This easy homemade goulash is made in one pot (including the noodles) in just 30 minutes. It's a classic, family-favorite dish packed with tons of flavor!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Spoonful of Hamburger Helper in a pot.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Enjoy the classic flavors you love with this easy homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s full of ground beef and macaroni all simmered in a creamy cheddar sauce. A quick meal for weeknight dinners, this is one both the kids and adults will adore!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Spoonful of hamburger casserole.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This easy hamburger casserole is made with saucy beef, macaroni noodles, flavorful veggies, topped with cheese then baked. It's easy, family-friendly and so good it's been a menu favorite lately!
Total Time: 42 minutes
Read more
korean ground beef over rice in bowl
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This Korean ground beef bowl is going to become your new favorite 15-minute weeknight meal. It's a simple ground beef recipe that makes it accessible and budget-friendly with a sweet and savory sauce that has so much flavor you'd never know it was this easy!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
Wooden spoon getting some burrito bowl out of pot.
Burrito Bowl Recipe
Easy and delicious Mexican burrito bowls made in just one pot in 30 minutes…making clean up a breeze. Perfect for busy week nights!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
mexican stuffed shells
Mexican Stuffed Shells
These Mexican stuffed shells are filled with a taco seasoned cheesy beef mixture and topped with enchilada sauce! This hearty meal is packed with flavor and a family favorite.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
Hamburger and fries on a plate.
Best Hamburger Recipe
The BEST hamburger recipe that's super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! This grilling classic is perfect for summer cookouts or get-togethers and makes the most juicy homemade hamburger patty that's filled with tons of flavor.
Total Time: 18 minutes
Read more
open teriyaki burger with onion and pineapple on top on board
Teriyaki Burger
This teriyaki burger recipe is a must-try! Juicy burger flavored with a sweet teriyaki sauce and served with grilled pineapple and onions on a crispy brioche bun!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
Best cheeseburger sliders in a dish.
Cheeseburger Sliders
This easy cheeseburger sliders are made with homemade juicy patties sandwiched between buttery rolls baked until cheesy, golden! The perfect appetizer for game day or a weeknight dinner.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Read more
lettuce wrap burger on white plate
Lettuce Wrap Burger
These lettuce wrap burgers are the healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free answer to all your indulgent burger cravings. Load it up or keep it simple, either way, they're a fun fresh twist on an old-fashioned hamburger!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Read more
hamburger in white bowl
Hamburger Soup
Easy hamburger soup made in just one pot in 30 quick minutes! It's loaded with lean ground beef, mixed vegetables, tomatoes and seasonings and is budget-friendly, hearty and satisfying.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Bowl of taco soup with toppings.
Taco Soup Recipe
This easy taco soup recipe is hearty with the best Mexican-inspired taco flavors! Simple to prep in one pot in only 10 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
stuffed pepper soup in bowl
Stuffed Pepper Soup
This stuffed pepper soup is easy to make with ground beef, bell peppers, rice and a flavorful tomato broth, it's the perfect one pot meal!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Albondigas soup in a white bowl.
Albondigas Soup Recipe
This albondigas soup is hearty and flavorful made with beef and rice meatballs, vegetables and potatoes in a tomato based broth full of delicious seasonings and spices!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
Vegetable beef soup in a blue pot.
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
This vegetable beef soup is packed with tender beef and veggies simmered in a flavorful broth. It's a hearty homemade soup that is a classic favorite and easy to make!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
Italian Wedding soup in a white bowl.
Italian Wedding Soup
Learn to make this classic Italian-Inspired soup in under 1 hour! A restaurant-style Italian wedding soup is filled with juicy meatballs, orzo pasta, tender veggies, and spinach, cooked in a flavorful broth that is so easy to make from scratch!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
Pumpkin chili in a white bowl with cheese and sour cream on top.
Pumpkin Chili
This easy pumpkin chili is comforting, filling and full of fall flavors. A savory pumpkin dish that you'll want to enjoy all season long! 
Total Time: 1 hour
Read more
spoonful of taco soup
Instant Pot Taco Soup
A mouthwatering one-pot dinner idea that is freezer-friendly and makes for easy batch cooking. This Instant Pot taco soup is fully loaded with the flavors, textures, and aromas of everyone's favorite taco, but in the form of a hearty & comforting soup!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
crockpot filled with chili
Crockpot Chili
This crockpot chili is a hearty and flavor-loaded recipe that's cooked nice and slow so the flavors meld and each spoonful is better than the one before!
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Read more
spoonful of chili cornbread skillet
Chili and Cornbread Skillet
This chili and cornbread skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish made all in one pan. The cornbread is cooked right on top of the chili, adding a hearty layer of deliciousness!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
Healthy pasta fagioli recipe
Pasta e Fagioli
This pasta e fagioli is an easy Olive Garden copycat that's loaded with fresh veggies, beans, ground beef, seasonings and tender pasta. This Italian soup is hearty for a satisfying meal!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
Sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
Meatloaf Recipe
This easy meatloaf recipe is tender, juicy and topped with a sweet glaze. Simple to make and ready in less than an hour!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Read more
Slice of lasagna in baking dish.
Best Lasagna Recipe
This is the best lasagna recipe with layers of a hearty meat sauce, ricotta and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Homemade lasagna is a classic!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Read more
Sliced stuffed meatloaf on plate.
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Mozzarella stuffed meatloaf is a family favorite with flavorful ground beef, a gooey cheesy middle and tangy sauce baked to perfection!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Read more
Spoonful of baked ziti in baking dish.
Baked Ziti Recipe
This easy baked ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American dish made with ziti pasta, marinara, cheese and beef then baked until bubbly.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
meatloaf on plate with mashed potatoes and green beans
Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Instant pot meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, tender and so easy to make in your pressure cooker. Even the mashed potatoes are cooked at the same time.
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Read more
Beef enchiladas with cilantro on a white countertop.
Beef Enchilada Recipe
These beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing Mexican dinner favorite. They are loaded with seasoned ground beef and cheese, covered in sauce and on your table in an hour!
Total Time: 1 hour
Read more
Shepherds pie recipe in a baking dish.
Shepherd’s Pie
This easy shepherd's pie is a quick twist on the classic recipe that's hearty, comforting and delicious! Makes a great weeknight dish that will become an instant favorite!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
meatballs
Easy Meatball Recipe
These are the best oven baked meatballs! So easy to make, juicy and flavorful. They’re perfect for appetizers, meatballs subs or on top of spaghetti.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
asian meatballs on white plate
Asian Meatballs Recipe
This Asian meatballs recipe will be a new family favorite! Meatballs are baked until tender then coated in a sweet and savory sticky sauce and ready in just over 30 minutes.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
Porcupine meatballs simmering in marinara sauce.
Porcupine Meatballs
These easy porcupine meatballs are made with a delicious mixture of ground beef and rice cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Tender, moist and super flavorful!
Total Time: 55 minutes
Read more
spoonful of meatball casserole
Meatball Casserole
Meatball casserole is a 30-minute baked dish made with seasoned juicy meatballs covered in marinara sauce and melted cheese making this the perfect weeknight comfort meal!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
spoonful of meatballs and marinara
Instant Pot Meatballs
Juicy and tender Instant Pot meatballs are made quickly and easily with no searing and no long simmering time. Toss them uncooked in the pressure cooker, and they're ready in just over 30 minutes! 
Total Time: 37 minutes
Read more
lettuce cup with taco meat and pico de gallo
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Taco lettuce wraps are a healthy, flavorful and delicious protein packed, low-carb alternative to traditional tacos. They're paleo, gluten-free and an easy Whole 30 recipe!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
walking taco in a dorito bag
Walking Taco Recipe
These walking tacos are made with taco meat and toppings served in a bag of Fritos or Doritos. They are not only fun to eat on-the-go but are quick to make for parties or meals.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
navajo taco with hamburger and sour cream
Navajo Taco Recipe
These easy and delicious Navajo tacos are a family favorite made with soft and crispy fry bread piled high with seasoned ground beef, beans and all your favorite taco toppings!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more

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