What Can I Do With A Pound of Ground Beef? 19 Amazing Recipes to Try

Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly staple ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious meals. With just a pound of ground beef, you can easily whip up quick weeknight dinners, hearty casseroles, soups and chilis, pastas, tacos, burgers, meatloaf, and so much more.

An Overview of Ground Beef’s Versatility

Ground beef is made by grinding beef cuts like chuck, sirloin, and round. The fat content can range from 5-27%, resulting in lean to fatty textures. From tacos, pasta sauce, chili, burgers, meatballs, to casseroles or soup – ground beef can transform into so many dishes. It’s an affordable protein that is versatile enough to incorporate into a wide range of cuisines.

Here are some key advantages that make ground beef a handy ingredient to keep stocked in your fridge or freezer:

• Budget-friendly – Buying ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale can help cut down on your grocery costs. Ground beef is significantly cheaper than buying steaks or roasts.

• Easy to cook – Ground beef cooks up quickly and only requires basic seasoning. Browning ground beef to crumble it into pieces takes about 5-10 minutes.

• Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike enjoy the flavor of beef. It’s commonly used in many child-friendly foods like pasta, tacos, burgers, meatballs, etc.

• Nutritious – Beef provides a great source of protein, vitamins like B12, minerals like iron and zinc. Choosing leaner blends can reduce the fat and calories.

• Endlessly versatile – You can incorporate ground beef into so many cuisines around the world. It’s one of the most versatile ingredients.

Now let’s look at some of the amazing recipes you can make with a pound of ground beef!

19 Tasty Recipes to Make with 1 Pound Ground Beef

1. Quick Tacos

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 6 taco shells
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble ground beef until browned, 5-7 minutes. Drain fat.
2. Add taco packet and 1/4 cup water. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened.
3. Serve taco meat in shells with desired toppings.

This fast weeknight dinner idea uses pantry staples to pull together tasty tacos in 25 minutes. customize them with your favorite taco toppings.

2. Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt, pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Divide beef into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Fry beef patties in skillet flipping once until cooked through, 8 minutes total. Remove beef from skillet.
3. Add onion to skillet and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Stir in flour, scraping up browned bits. Gradually stir in broth and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Return patties to skillet and spoon gravy over top to serve.

These saucy hamburger steaks covered in gravy and onions make a satisfying homestyle dinner. Serve mashed potatoes on the side to soak up the tasty gravy.

3. Meatloaf

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 50 mins
• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
4. Brush top with ketchup. Bake for 50 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

This easy homemade meatloaf is a classic American comfort food. Serve thick slices with mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty dinner.

4. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked
• Shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add garlic and italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer 20-25 minutes.
4. Serve meat sauce over cooked spaghetti and top with parmesan cheese.

Nothing beats a big bowl of pasta drenched in a rich, meaty tomato sauce. The ground beef adds flavor and texture.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 40 mins
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, divided
• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
3. Add rice, onion, 1/2 can tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff beef mixture into hollowed peppers and place in baking dish.
5. Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers.
6. Bake for 40 minutes until peppers are tender.

These stuffed bell peppers are packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, onions, and tomato sauce. They make a complete meal hot out of the oven.

6. Shepherd’s Pie

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 50 mins
• Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups mashed potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in vegetables and flour to coat. Pour in broth and simmer 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes to brown potatoes.

With hearty ground beef and vegetables topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, this easy shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food.

7. Sloppy Joes

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions until beef is no longer pink, 5 minutes. Drain fat.
2. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Serve sloppy joe mixture piled on hamburger buns.

These saucy, messy sloppy joes have a sweet and tangy flavor that kids and adults love. The ground beef mixture keeps well for meal prepping too.

8. Chili

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned, 5 minutes.
2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans and season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until thickened.
4. Serve chili garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, etc.

This easy homemade chili features tender ground beef, beans, and a simple blend of spices. The hands-off simmering time builds big flavor.

9. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over high heat, cook ground beef breaking it into crumbles, 5 minutes. Remove beef to a bowl.
2. Add oil to skillet then stir fry garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
3. Add broccoli and stir fry 3-4 minutes until tender crisp.
4. Return beef to skillet. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup and sesame oil. Pour over beef and broccoli. Toss to coat.
5. Serve stir fry over rice.

This flavorful beef and broccoli stir fry comes together quickly. Drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce, it makes a fast dinner paired with rice.

10. Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 50 mins
• Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned, 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped cabbage, rice, broth and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer to casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until cabbage is tender.

All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the fussy rolling. Just pile everything into a casserole dish for an easy ground beef dinner.

11. Bolognese Sauce

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 10 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Cooked pasta
• Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic, celery and carrot until beef is browned, 8-10 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste and seasonings. Simmer for 45-60 minutes until sauce thickens.
3. Stir in heavy cream just before serving.
4. Toss with cooked pasta and serve topped with parmesan cheese.

This slow-simmered Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, vegetables and tomatoes makes the perfect topping for pasta.

12. Beef Empanadas

• Prep time: 30 mins
• Cook time: 25 mins
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 empanadas

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup cold water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat. Stir in cumin, tomato paste, raisins, salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. To make the dough, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Stir in water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.

3. Roll dough into 12 rounds. Fill each with 1-2 tbsp of beef mixture. Fold dough over and crimp edges with a fork to seal.

4. Place empanadas on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

These handheld empanadas are filled with a savory, slightly sweet mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and raisins.

13. Mexican Stuffed Potatoes

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 40 mins
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub potatoes with oil and place directly on oven rack. Bake for 30 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning and 2 tbsp water. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.

3. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Fluff flesh with a fork. Pile beef mixture into potatoes and top with shredded cheese.

4. Return to oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese. Serve with sour cream.

These Mexican stuffed potatoes are an easy, tasty way to put a fun spin on taco night. Load baked potatoes with spiced ground beef and melted cheese.

14. Lasagna

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 50 mins
• Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt

Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Make meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer 15 minutes.

3. Make cheese filling: In a bowl combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, parsley and salt.

4. Assemble lasagna by layering 3 noodles, meat sauce, cheese filling in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers twice more. Top with remaining mozzarella.

5. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

This hearty lasagna is layered with a ricotta cheese filling and meaty, tomatoey sauce made with ground beef. It’s worth the bit of extra effort for such a crowd-pleasing meal.

15. Beef and Potato Gratin

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 10 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• Butter for greasing
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in flour and gradually whisk in beef broth. Simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Layer half each of potatoes, ground beef mixture, and shredded cheese in prepared baking dish. Repeat layers.

5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top and bake 45-60 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. Turn oven to broil last 2 minutes to brown crumbs. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

With its layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce and melted cheese, this gratin is irresistible comfort food.

16. Italian Meatballs

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 20 mins
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, italian seasoning and s&p until just combined. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

3. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs. Simmer 10 minutes until cooked through.

These easy homemade meatballs simmered in a quick marinara sauce make a flavorful topping for pasta or sandwiches.

17. Beef and Broccoli Casserole

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

3. In a bowl mix together beef, broccoli, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, cheese, soup and sour cream.

4. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with crushed crackers.

5. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

With broccoli, ground beef and a creamy sauce mixed with Asian flavors, this easy casserole makes a hearty, filling meal. The crunchy cracker topping provides texture contrast.

18. Taco Casserole

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
• 6 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

3. Spread refried beans evenly over the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with a layer of tortilla strips, ground beef mixture, enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.

4. Repeat layering one more time and top with remaining cheese.

5. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

All your Mexican favorites – spiced ground beef, beans, tortillas and enchilada sauce – come together in this crowd-pleasing casserole. Just layer and bake for hassle-free dinner.

19. Beef Buddha Bowls

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

For the Bowls:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
• 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium-high, cook ground beef breaking it into crumbles. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Remove beef to a bowl and mix with soy sauce and sesame oil.

3. Divide quinoa into bowls and top with greens, beef mixture, avocado, edamame and carrots.

4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

These hearty and healthy Buddha bowls are loaded with protein-packed ground beef, quinoa, veggies and avocado. The quick Asian-inspired beef pairs well with the fresh ingredients.

Conclusion

With just a pound of ground beef, some pantry staples and spices, you can make an endless variety of fast, budget-friendly meals. From Mexican favorites like tacos and stuffed potatoes to comforting casseroles, pasta bakes and bowls, the possibilities are endless. Ground beef is affordable, easy to cook, and loved by kids and adults alike. Keep your freezer stocked so you always have a pound handy for whipping up quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping versatile lunches and dinners.